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Read my lips: Belfast startup's solution to hacking
NEWS border control
planned to speed up border crossings at a time of growing passenger flow, while also increasing the quality of identity checks.
authentication
Read my lips: Belfast startup’s solution to hacking Eurotunnel: installing SAS PARAFE facial recognition at its travel terminals ahead of ‘Brexit’.
Eurotunnel backs biometrics ahead of Brexit
E
urotunnel, which carries more than 11m road and rail passengers each year between the UK and France, is to introduce SAS PARAFE automatic facial recognition (AFR) technology at its travel terminals. The technology, designed and developed by IN Groupe, is being installed ahead of the ‘Brexit’ parting of the ways between the two countries. In phase one of the project, around 50,000 passengers travelling by coach every year will start using PARAFE AFR eGates from the beginning of April. Two sets of eGates will also be installed in France and the UK, to speed up and secure the border crossing. Later phases will focus on equipment for Eurotunnel’s Flexiplus services and then a broader roll-out. The deal between Eurotunnel and IN Groupe was officially signed on 13 February in the presence of Xavier Bertrand, president of the Hauts-de-France region. Bertrand commented: “In the context of Brexit, Eurotunnel and IN have taken the lead regarding the important issues of safety and fluidity. This technology allows us to face new challenges and to save time. It is tried and tested: it provides safety and comfort.” IN Groupe CEO Didier Trutt added: “Our border control solutions provide an immediately operational response to the security challenges of each state. We are proud to equip the first non-airport border crossing point in Europe.” In 24 years, nearly 430m people and 86m vehicles have travelled through the Channel Tunnel, which stretches between Coquelles in France and Folkestone in Britain. Its automated facial recognition (AFR) system will make it easier for passengers holding biometric passports to cross the border. The system is
March 2019
A
Belfast-based startup is using automated lip-reading to make user authentication systems more resistant to spoofing attacks. Liopa has started trialling its AI-based LipSecure system with a number of established user identity authentication system suppliers. It has developed LipSecure on the basis that while face and voice recognition biometrics are increasingly used in online authentication, they can be compromised with images and videos of the user. Liopa believes the answer to these increasingly sophisticated spoofing techniques is better liveness detection within the authentication system. LipSecure provides software-only liveness checking. It works with a device vendor’s existing facial recognition (FR) system and prompts the user to repeat a random sequence of digits that appear on their screen. Its AI-based visual speech recognition (VSR) technology then checks if the digits have been spoken/mimed correctly to verify that there is a ‘live’ person present. Liopa founder and CEO Liam McQuillan said: “The trials are an opportunity to further develop and validate the LipSecure liveness checking solution in areas where FR technology is currently deployed, such as authentication for online services, identity verification for customer on-boarding and device unlocking.” He explained: “On its own, facial recognition is a very convenient biometric authenticator but offers poor liveness detection, and the resulting negative press is materially impacting take-up, particularly in mobile devices. LipSecure provides a highly robust liveness
LipSecure: liveness checker combats increasingly sophisticated spoofing techniques.
EVENTS CALENDAR 9–11 April 2019 ISC West
Sands Expo, Las Vegas, USA The International Security Conference & Exposition – known as ISC West – is the US’s largest converged security trade show, covering video surveillance, access control, biometrics, smart home, public security, drones & robotics and more. The event brings together around 30,000 security professionals viewing security products and technology from over 1,000 exhibitors. ISC West is designed for physical and IT security professionals including installers, integrators, end-users from various vertical markets, consultants, specifiers, architects, engineers and consultants. It also features SIA Education, an educational event covering cyber-security, intelligent physical security, IoT and related subjects. More information: https://www.iscwest.com/Show-Info/
16–17 April 2019
Securex West Africa
Landmark Centre, Lagos, Nigeria Securex is West Africa’s primary exhibition focused on the security industry. Free to attend, it brings together more than 2,500 attendees to view new technology from the global commercial, homeland, perimeter and cyber-security industries, as well as fire and safety. Daily conference sessions also take place on the showfloor, and Securex also offers workshops and specialised panel sessions. Product areas covered include hardware and data security, mobile and internet security, digital and network surveillance and detection, physical access and entrance control, and rescue, emergency alarm and warning systems. More information: https://www.securexwestafrica.com/
29 April–1 May 2019 Connect:ID
Washington DC, USA Connect:ID is an international multi-track conference and exhibition that focuses on identity technologies and their management in both the physical and digital worlds. The event aims to showcase the potential of next-generation identity solutions, and to highlight how disruptive technology and policy decisions are driving change. It will cover identity-focused themes including citizen ID, online payments, law enforcement, biometric advances, secure credential design and machine learning. Connect:ID 2019 also plans to include 125-plus exhibitors, targeted expo pavilions, peer-to-peer networking and a start-up zone. More information: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/connect-id/ index.stm
11–13 June 2019 SDW 2019
ExCeL, London, UK Running for more than 10 years, the SDW conference and exhibition focuses on government-led identity solutions. This year’s event will feature over 100 speakers and up to 200 international exhibitors. It is expected to attract attendees from some 80 countries, including government delegations, technology suppliers, security document printers, infrastructure providers and integrators in the security document marketplace. Key themes include document design, fraud and forgery detection, next-gen driving licences, breeder documents, ePassports/visas, borders and immigration, chip advances, physical security features and digital/mobile documents. More information: http://www.sdwexpo.com/
Continued on page 11...
Biometric Technology Today
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NEWS Continued from page 3... checker to ensure facial recognition systems are robust to increasingly sophisticated spoofing techniques.” LipSecure is software-based, so no sensors are required. It can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise, accessed from a range of ondevice software development kits (SDKs) and can be integrated with third-party FR systems. Liopa was founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the Centre for Secure Information Technologies at Queen’s University Belfast.
law enforcement
Experts guide UK police on use of face ID
A
team of experts led by Oxford University Professor Nina Hallowell have set out an ‘ethical guide’ for how the UK police should use facial recognition technology. Their advice follows heavy criticism from campaigners like Big Brother Watch of South Wales Police’s trial of live facial recognition (LFR) at major events like the 2017 Juventus vs Real Madrid Champions League football final in Cardiff, and London’s Met Police deployment of the technology at the Notting Hill Carnival. Amid accusations of inaccuracy and bias, the Home Office-appointed group accept that there is a “lack of independent oversight and governance of the use of LFR”. So on 26 February they issued a six-page guide that identifies nine key ethical tests the police should use when they consider deploying LFR technology. These are: 1. Public interest – the technology should only be used when it offers a public benefit. 2. Effectiveness – LFR technology can be justified only if it is an effective tool for identifying people. 3. Users must avoid bias and algorithmic injustice. 4. Impartiality – police must use the technology in an even-handed way, and cannot disproportionally target certain events without a compelling justification. 5. Necessity – individuals normally have a right to conduct their lives without being monitored and scrutinised. 6. Proportionality – use of LFR technology is permissible only if the benefits are proportionate to any loss of liberty and privacy. 7. Impartiality in the construction of watchlists – if humans or algorithms are involved in
March 2019
The BIO-key co-developed system will allow school administrators to identify their students.
drawing up watchlists for use with LFR, they must be free from bias. 8. Public trust – users of LFR should engage in public consultation and provide the rationale for its use. 9. Cost-effectiveness – any evaluation of LFR use should take into account whether the resources required could be better used elsewhere. The report was written by the four-strong Facial Recognition Working Group within the Home Office-appointed Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group (BFEG). As well as Professor Hallowell, the group members were Professor Louise Amoore of Durham University, Professor Simon Caney of Warwick University, and IBM UK’s director of emerging technology Dr Peter Waggett. In their report, the panel say the relationship between the output of LFR and its human operators is vital. “A concern here is that an error, bias or (in)accuracy in algorithmic output results in biased decision making on the part of human operators.” • In other news, the Home Office has given the BFEG a bigger role in providing an independent review of how the department uses large and complex data sets, and any ethical issues involved. Chris Hughes OBE, Chair of the BFEG, said: “This expansion will build on the committee’s existing work and will work to ensure that the use of an individual’s personal data is legitimate and proportionate, contributing to justified trust in the Home Office.” The BFEG already considers the ethics involved in the use of all technologies which produce biometric and forensic data and identifiers; and all matters relating to the management, operation and use of biometric or forensic data.
biometrics in schools
BIO-key pioneers emergency system for schools
B
IO-key has co-developed a new biometric-based identity management system called RallyPoint to be used specifically for school emergency evacuations. Launched in the US, RallyPoint can be used by school administrators to communicate with parents, and to give emergency responders rapid information about students and staff during evacuations. It builds on the current installed base in US schools, where more than 1m students already use finger scanning ID systems for applications like food service, attendance and library entry. BIO-key partnered with identiMetrics, a provider of biometric ID management solutions in K12 education, and BrightArrow Technologies, a leader in mass notification systems, to produce the RallyPoint Control system. During an emergency evacuation, RallyPoint will direct students and staff to go to a safe meeting area (the rally point) where they identify themselves by scanning their fingers on ruggedised biometric tablets. Within a few seconds, their parents and authorised emergency contacts are alerted with a text, email and/or phone call indicating that their child is safe and their pickup location information. “It’s rewarding to be part of this school safety solution,” said BIO-key CEO Mike DePasquale. Continued on page 12...
Biometric Technology Today
11
planned to speed up border crossings at a time of growing passenger flow, while also increasing the quality of identity checks.
authentication
Read my lips: Belfast startup’s solution to hacking Eurotunnel: installing SAS PARAFE facial recognition at its travel terminals ahead of ‘Brexit’.
Eurotunnel backs biometrics ahead of Brexit
E
urotunnel, which carries more than 11m road and rail passengers each year between the UK and France, is to introduce SAS PARAFE automatic facial recognition (AFR) technology at its travel terminals. The technology, designed and developed by IN Groupe, is being installed ahead of the ‘Brexit’ parting of the ways between the two countries. In phase one of the project, around 50,000 passengers travelling by coach every year will start using PARAFE AFR eGates from the beginning of April. Two sets of eGates will also be installed in France and the UK, to speed up and secure the border crossing. Later phases will focus on equipment for Eurotunnel’s Flexiplus services and then a broader roll-out. The deal between Eurotunnel and IN Groupe was officially signed on 13 February in the presence of Xavier Bertrand, president of the Hauts-de-France region. Bertrand commented: “In the context of Brexit, Eurotunnel and IN have taken the lead regarding the important issues of safety and fluidity. This technology allows us to face new challenges and to save time. It is tried and tested: it provides safety and comfort.” IN Groupe CEO Didier Trutt added: “Our border control solutions provide an immediately operational response to the security challenges of each state. We are proud to equip the first non-airport border crossing point in Europe.” In 24 years, nearly 430m people and 86m vehicles have travelled through the Channel Tunnel, which stretches between Coquelles in France and Folkestone in Britain. Its automated facial recognition (AFR) system will make it easier for passengers holding biometric passports to cross the border. The system is
March 2019
A
Belfast-based startup is using automated lip-reading to make user authentication systems more resistant to spoofing attacks. Liopa has started trialling its AI-based LipSecure system with a number of established user identity authentication system suppliers. It has developed LipSecure on the basis that while face and voice recognition biometrics are increasingly used in online authentication, they can be compromised with images and videos of the user. Liopa believes the answer to these increasingly sophisticated spoofing techniques is better liveness detection within the authentication system. LipSecure provides software-only liveness checking. It works with a device vendor’s existing facial recognition (FR) system and prompts the user to repeat a random sequence of digits that appear on their screen. Its AI-based visual speech recognition (VSR) technology then checks if the digits have been spoken/mimed correctly to verify that there is a ‘live’ person present. Liopa founder and CEO Liam McQuillan said: “The trials are an opportunity to further develop and validate the LipSecure liveness checking solution in areas where FR technology is currently deployed, such as authentication for online services, identity verification for customer on-boarding and device unlocking.” He explained: “On its own, facial recognition is a very convenient biometric authenticator but offers poor liveness detection, and the resulting negative press is materially impacting take-up, particularly in mobile devices. LipSecure provides a highly robust liveness
LipSecure: liveness checker combats increasingly sophisticated spoofing techniques.
EVENTS CALENDAR 9–11 April 2019 ISC West
Sands Expo, Las Vegas, USA The International Security Conference & Exposition – known as ISC West – is the US’s largest converged security trade show, covering video surveillance, access control, biometrics, smart home, public security, drones & robotics and more. The event brings together around 30,000 security professionals viewing security products and technology from over 1,000 exhibitors. ISC West is designed for physical and IT security professionals including installers, integrators, end-users from various vertical markets, consultants, specifiers, architects, engineers and consultants. It also features SIA Education, an educational event covering cyber-security, intelligent physical security, IoT and related subjects. More information: https://www.iscwest.com/Show-Info/
16–17 April 2019
Securex West Africa
Landmark Centre, Lagos, Nigeria Securex is West Africa’s primary exhibition focused on the security industry. Free to attend, it brings together more than 2,500 attendees to view new technology from the global commercial, homeland, perimeter and cyber-security industries, as well as fire and safety. Daily conference sessions also take place on the showfloor, and Securex also offers workshops and specialised panel sessions. Product areas covered include hardware and data security, mobile and internet security, digital and network surveillance and detection, physical access and entrance control, and rescue, emergency alarm and warning systems. More information: https://www.securexwestafrica.com/
29 April–1 May 2019 Connect:ID
Washington DC, USA Connect:ID is an international multi-track conference and exhibition that focuses on identity technologies and their management in both the physical and digital worlds. The event aims to showcase the potential of next-generation identity solutions, and to highlight how disruptive technology and policy decisions are driving change. It will cover identity-focused themes including citizen ID, online payments, law enforcement, biometric advances, secure credential design and machine learning. Connect:ID 2019 also plans to include 125-plus exhibitors, targeted expo pavilions, peer-to-peer networking and a start-up zone. More information: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/connect-id/ index.stm
11–13 June 2019 SDW 2019
ExCeL, London, UK Running for more than 10 years, the SDW conference and exhibition focuses on government-led identity solutions. This year’s event will feature over 100 speakers and up to 200 international exhibitors. It is expected to attract attendees from some 80 countries, including government delegations, technology suppliers, security document printers, infrastructure providers and integrators in the security document marketplace. Key themes include document design, fraud and forgery detection, next-gen driving licences, breeder documents, ePassports/visas, borders and immigration, chip advances, physical security features and digital/mobile documents. More information: http://www.sdwexpo.com/
Continued on page 11...
Biometric Technology Today
3
NEWS Continued from page 3... checker to ensure facial recognition systems are robust to increasingly sophisticated spoofing techniques.” LipSecure is software-based, so no sensors are required. It can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise, accessed from a range of ondevice software development kits (SDKs) and can be integrated with third-party FR systems. Liopa was founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the Centre for Secure Information Technologies at Queen’s University Belfast.
law enforcement
Experts guide UK police on use of face ID
A
team of experts led by Oxford University Professor Nina Hallowell have set out an ‘ethical guide’ for how the UK police should use facial recognition technology. Their advice follows heavy criticism from campaigners like Big Brother Watch of South Wales Police’s trial of live facial recognition (LFR) at major events like the 2017 Juventus vs Real Madrid Champions League football final in Cardiff, and London’s Met Police deployment of the technology at the Notting Hill Carnival. Amid accusations of inaccuracy and bias, the Home Office-appointed group accept that there is a “lack of independent oversight and governance of the use of LFR”. So on 26 February they issued a six-page guide that identifies nine key ethical tests the police should use when they consider deploying LFR technology. These are: 1. Public interest – the technology should only be used when it offers a public benefit. 2. Effectiveness – LFR technology can be justified only if it is an effective tool for identifying people. 3. Users must avoid bias and algorithmic injustice. 4. Impartiality – police must use the technology in an even-handed way, and cannot disproportionally target certain events without a compelling justification. 5. Necessity – individuals normally have a right to conduct their lives without being monitored and scrutinised. 6. Proportionality – use of LFR technology is permissible only if the benefits are proportionate to any loss of liberty and privacy. 7. Impartiality in the construction of watchlists – if humans or algorithms are involved in
March 2019
The BIO-key co-developed system will allow school administrators to identify their students.
drawing up watchlists for use with LFR, they must be free from bias. 8. Public trust – users of LFR should engage in public consultation and provide the rationale for its use. 9. Cost-effectiveness – any evaluation of LFR use should take into account whether the resources required could be better used elsewhere. The report was written by the four-strong Facial Recognition Working Group within the Home Office-appointed Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group (BFEG). As well as Professor Hallowell, the group members were Professor Louise Amoore of Durham University, Professor Simon Caney of Warwick University, and IBM UK’s director of emerging technology Dr Peter Waggett. In their report, the panel say the relationship between the output of LFR and its human operators is vital. “A concern here is that an error, bias or (in)accuracy in algorithmic output results in biased decision making on the part of human operators.” • In other news, the Home Office has given the BFEG a bigger role in providing an independent review of how the department uses large and complex data sets, and any ethical issues involved. Chris Hughes OBE, Chair of the BFEG, said: “This expansion will build on the committee’s existing work and will work to ensure that the use of an individual’s personal data is legitimate and proportionate, contributing to justified trust in the Home Office.” The BFEG already considers the ethics involved in the use of all technologies which produce biometric and forensic data and identifiers; and all matters relating to the management, operation and use of biometric or forensic data.
biometrics in schools
BIO-key pioneers emergency system for schools
B
IO-key has co-developed a new biometric-based identity management system called RallyPoint to be used specifically for school emergency evacuations. Launched in the US, RallyPoint can be used by school administrators to communicate with parents, and to give emergency responders rapid information about students and staff during evacuations. It builds on the current installed base in US schools, where more than 1m students already use finger scanning ID systems for applications like food service, attendance and library entry. BIO-key partnered with identiMetrics, a provider of biometric ID management solutions in K12 education, and BrightArrow Technologies, a leader in mass notification systems, to produce the RallyPoint Control system. During an emergency evacuation, RallyPoint will direct students and staff to go to a safe meeting area (the rally point) where they identify themselves by scanning their fingers on ruggedised biometric tablets. Within a few seconds, their parents and authorised emergency contacts are alerted with a text, email and/or phone call indicating that their child is safe and their pickup location information. “It’s rewarding to be part of this school safety solution,” said BIO-key CEO Mike DePasquale. Continued on page 12...
Biometric Technology Today
11