Prototype planned for the end of 2004

Munich/Paris, 29 June, 2004–The international technology group Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) is developing a new USB token with biometric authentication. This new Smart Token is the first key chain token to integrate a complete system for authentication, digital signatures, and biometrics in a single device. SuperToken provides unsurpassed mobility and ease-of-use for personal digital credentials by, for the first time, offering full security without requiring a PIN or password. The new product combines chip-card, fingerprint reader with picture-processor and verification software in one unit. The matchbox-sized PKI Token is especially attractive to mobile users who have additional security requirements. With this new development, G&D uses the STARCOS® operating system, combining signature functionality and on-card matching technology. With this, fingerprint reference data stored on the chip is compared with the data obtained by the sensor. Neither a card nor fingerprint reader, nor separate picture recognition software need to be deployed separately for the authentication with the new Smart Token. Once the digital user fingerprint is stored on the token, the entire comparison occurs on the chip itself based on the on-card matching technology developed by G&D. No biometric data is saved on the PC or other background systems, ensuring the highest levels of data security.

Even external power is not required, as power is obtained via the USB interface. This new product concept for intelligent tokens offers a complete and mobile system for biometric-based authentication and digital signature. “The new product design is an excellent example of innovative development work implementing our experience in the areas of chip and security technology”, explained Michael Nitz, Head of Giesecke & Devrient’s Industry and Government Cards Division. “The new Smart Token is completely integrated into our StarSign®Token family and is therefore compatible with G&D’s chip cards and USB Token portfolio. The first prototypes are planned for the end of the year” explains Nitz.

About Giesecke & Devrient:

Giesecke & Devrient (G&D), based in Munich, Germany, is an international technology group with subsidiaries and joint ventures throughout the world. In fiscal 2003, the group employed some 6,800 people and generated a revenue of €1.05 billion.

Founded in Leipzig in 1852, G&D began as a printer of securities, soon specializing in banknote production. The company has been developing solutions and complete systems for automatic currency processing since 1970. Today, G&D is also a technology leader in smart cards, and a solutions provider in the fields of telecommunications, electronic payments, transportation, health, ID, and Internet security. More information can be found at
http://www.gi-de.com.

Further information:

Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
Andrea Bockholt, Press Officer
Prinzregentenstrasse 159, D-81607 Munich
Telephone: +49 89 41 19-2422, Fax: -2020
eMail: andrea.bockholt@de.gi-de.com
Internet: http://www.gi-de.com