BixeLab plans to bring NIST-accredited biometrics testing to Southern Hemisphere

Australian biometrics testing lab BixeLab is launching its new biometric test facilities to provide a range of testing services, and hosting a series of virtual events to mark the launch.

BixeLab is currently going through the application process for the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program run by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). When it achieves accreditation, BixeLab will be the first biometrics testing laboratory accredited by NIST in the Southern Hemisphere, and the second in the world, according to the announcement.

The accreditation process consists of a comprehensive technical evaluation, ensuring all policies, procedures and methodologies align with international standards and industry best practices, as Biometric Update recently discussed with Biometric Project Manager Gail Audette of iBeta Quality Assurance, the currently-accredited lab based in Colorado.

BixeLab says the accreditation will build on its Canberra laboratory’s existing services for rigorous testing of biometric systems, and giving customers confidence that their biometric technology is accurate, unbiased, and successful in testing against spoofs with fake fingerprints, photographs, or more elaborate disguises.

The company also points out that thorough testing is a requirement for biometric systems organizations seek to accredit for national identity schemes, such as the Australian Digital Transformation Agency’s Trusted Digital Identity Framework.

In addition to NIST and TDIF accreditation testing, BixeLab performs testing for algorithms, acquisition devices, mobile apps and access control systems with face, fingerprint, iris or voice biometric modalities, or multi-modal systems.

The launch event will feature a presentation from Dr. Ted Dunstone, BixeLab managing director and a leading expert on biometric technology. He will speak about biometric spoofing and how systems are tested for operation with programs like the Trusted Digital Identity Framework.

Dunstone is the founder of the Biometrics Institute and currently serves as head of its Security and Integrity Expert Group.

The launch events will be held on February 22 and 23, and registration information is available from BixeLab’s website.

Article Topics

accuracy  |  algorithms  |  Australia  |  biometric testing  |  biometrics  |  BixeLab  |  Dr. Ted Dunstone  |  NIST  |  presentation attack detection  |  spoof detection  |  standards