MWC 2016: Fingerprint authentication delivered for wearables

This new proof-of-concept replaces conventional username/password authentication for applications such as payment, eTicketing, digital access and 2-factor strong authentication with swift and secure fingerprint recognition.

The joint effort by ST Microelectronics, Gemalto, Fingerprint Cards and Precise Biometrics will demonstrate this ground-breaking solution on a smartwatch. It embeds a fingerprint sensor from Fingerprint Cards, fingerprint software from Precise Biometrics, and Secure NFC solution and low-power microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics.

Gemalto provides the UpTeq eSE on which the user’s credentials are stored, and the Match-On-Card application that validates the fingerprint placed on the sensor corresponds to the biometric data of the user. Gemalto also supplies a rich array of secure applications, and the Allynis Trusted Services Hub (TSH) responsible for managing the solution over the entire product lifecycle.

Fingerprint Cards delivers state-of-the-art touch fingerprint sensors with extreme low power consumption and compact form factor.

Precise Biometrics provides fingerprint software based on Precise BioMatch Embedded, an industry leading algorithm solution that offers convenient and secure fingerprint recognition for products with small fingerprint sensors on limited platforms, such as smart cards, wearables, cars, locks and personal identification tokens.

STMicroelectronics provides its ST54 system-in-package solution, composed of an ST21NFC near-field communication (NFC) controller and an ST33 embedded Secure Element based on 32-bit ARM SecurCore SC300, hosting the Gemalto Biometrics Match-On-Card. ST also provides an STM32 ARM Cortex-M based low-power microcontroller managing the application.

For end users, the new architecture spells an end to the complexity of having to remember numerous username and password combinations to access essential applications such as payment, secure email and government ID programs.

This solution will offer new opportunities to the consumer electronics market to implement secure authentication solutions based on FIDO Alliance’s specification, and give consumer electronics manufacturers the option to differentiate from competition.

By easing the user journey without compromising security, biometric fingerprint authentication represents a real game-changer for the world of secure mobile connectivity, payment, eCitizen services