ID document authentication device rolled out by TSA, SPS adds ID counterfeit prevention

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced five credential authentication technology (CAT) units for checkpoint screening to confirm traveler ID and flight information at Richmond International Airport (RIC) in Virginia.

“This technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent documents such as driver’s licenses and passports at checkpoints and increases efficiency by automatically verifying passenger identification,” said Chuck Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Richmond International Airport in the announcement. “The system will also confirm the passenger’s flight status in near real time through a secured connection.”

Traveler identification documents will be scanned by the CAT units for validity. Passengers will not have to present boarding passes because the unit checks for prescreening to travel. Those 18 and under or with ID issues might have to present their boarding passes at the document checking podium. Advance check-in with airlines is still necessary, as is having the boarding pass ready when boarding.

With a cost nearing $30,000, a CAT unit includes a passport reader, an ID card reader, a Federal personal identity verification ID card reader, a monitor, a stand and a UV light. It can read a variety of documents, including passports, military common access cards, retired military ID cards, Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler ID cards, uniformed services ID cards, permanent resident cards, U.S. visas and driver’s licenses and photo IDs issued by the DMV.

Travelers need to have REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or ID forms by October 1, 2021. U.S. Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enforce regulation for minimum security standards, including facial images for biometric authentication, in sources of identification.

The CAT system was first tested at Boston Logan Airport during the past year, and even though the agency said it was behind schedule with nation wide implementation, it has since also been deployed at Sacramento International Airport.

TSA had previously conducted evaluations of the identity verification portion of the Travel Document Checker (TDC) system using biometric technology at the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS).

SPS launches ID card security feature to prevent counterfeiting

SPS (Smart Packaging Solutions) has introduced a new ID card security feature dubbed CMI+ (Customized Module Image Plus) that prevents ID card counterfeiting by adding government symbols on the micro module, the company announced.

The symbols can be added in locations that were inaccessible in the past, for example peripheral sections on the module. CMI+ prevents counterfeiters from easily altering micro modules, as they would need to tamper with the material on module surface. The feature is available for SPS Dual8, for dual interface cards, and Hybrid8, for hybrid cards, with a gold or silver finish. CMI+ also include CAI (Custom Antenna Image) which adds a watermark on the antenna.

SPS is negotiating with governments interested in the feature. CMI, Customized Module Image, which only involves adding symbols in the center of the module, has already been embedded by governments across the world in national ID cards, foreigner residence cards, military cards, and agent cards.

“Fighting against counterfeiting has been the essence of SPS technology development for many years,” said Dominique Charrie, SPS marketing director for government products, in a prepared statement. “With CMI+, we are bringing a breakthrough in security for governments as adding material is substantially more difficult for counterfeiters than removing it.”

Article Topics

authentication  |  Credential Authentication Technology (CAT)  |  credentials  |  document reader  |  fraud prevention  |  identity document  |  Smart Packaging Solutions  |  travel documents  |  TSA