TWIC, PIV, CAC FIPS 201-Based Card Reader

L-1 Identity Solutions Inc. a provider of identity solutions and services, has expanded its line of government access control solutions with the release of the TWIC-Station, a new access control device capable of reading a wide range of secure government credentials based on the FIPS 201 standard including transportation worker identification credentials (TWICs), personal identity verification (PIV) and common access cards (CACs). The device also offers single or multi-factor authentication control, with support for PIN codes, and is one of the first fixed access TWIC readers capable of matching the fingerprint of a PIV cardholder to the biometric stored on the card, the company said in a release.

"This multi-factor authentication, multi-card type reader represents the most versatile product on the market today and is ideal for helping U.S. ports and vessel operators meet the program goals for TWIC with a highly secure, yet flexible device that is easy to install and simple to use," said Rob Douglas, president of the Enterprise Access Division of L-1.

The federal TWIC program requires workers possess a tamper-resistant biometric credential when requiring unescorted access to secure areas at U.S. ports and to vessels regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA). The cards are also issued to all U.S. Coast Guard credentialed merchant mariners. Government employees accessing maritime ports and vessels can use a PIV or CAC identification card for entry. TWIC and PIC secure credentials are based on U.S. Federal Information Processing Standard 201 (FIPS 201) that requires all government agencies to authenticate employees, contractors, and civil servants using stronger authentication methods, including fingerprint biometrics, for access control.

The L-1 TWIC-Station meets the latest TWIC Reader Hardware and Card Application Specifications issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It supports multiple credentials based on the FIPS 201 model and can read PIV fingerprints. The unit's fingerprint algorithm is GSA-approved and FIPS 201 compliant and the UPEK TCSI fingerprint sensor offering 500 DPI is FIPS 201 compliant and FBI approved.

L-1 also offers a PIV-Station for use in controlling access to government buildings and restricted areas. The PIV reader is FIPS 201 compliant in all modes (contact and contactless), as well as having a GSA-approved, FIPS 201 compliant fingerprint algorithm and FIPS 201 compliant, FBI approved UPEK TCS1 fingerprint sensor with 500 DPI resolution.