LONDON, July 6 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- De La Rue Identity Systems, a world expert in secure government identity solutions, announced that Malta's new upgraded ePassport system with Extended Access Control (EAC) capability went live on 28th June. This new solution delivers a higher level of security and access control, in accordance with the EU regulation for all Schengen Member States, for the addition of a second biometric - two fingerprints - to the data already stored on the chip. Its delivery is a key milestone in the Government's ongoing strategic identity management plan.
Fully integrated with Malta's existing National Identity Management System (NIDMS), EAC capability is being launched initially in Malta and Gozo and will be rolled out across all embassy sites by the end of the year. De La Rue's EAC capability is a technically advanced solution and follows on from the go-live in September 2008 of the Island's original ePassport system. All elements have been specifically designed to meet necessary software development and integration needs, whilst also providing and linking the ePassport, border control, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) and ID systems together. The ePassport application and issuance process continues to use De La Rue's sophisticated MIDIS(TM) software for enrolment, book personalisation, quality assurance and issuance.
EAC protects the ePassport's sensitive second biometric via a process of authentication and by only granting access to authorised passport readers. It is this PKI foundation that allows ePassports to be read solely at immigration control stations, making it even more difficult for criminals who seek access to the data for purposes of counterfeit or fraud.
The Hon. Austin Gatt, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications (MITC) said "Malta is very proud to be issuing second-generation ePassports. This is a technically advanced solution that will ensure Malta remains at the forefront of national identity systems. It will also make sure our citizens carry passports which are among the most secure and prestigious in the world today."
James Thorburn, Managing Director, De La Rue Identity Systems commented "De La Rue is delighted to have had this opportunity to deliver the latest stage in the Government of Malta's eGovernment programme. The EAC functionality which we have provided puts Malta amongst the most advanced states in the world for ePassport capability and security. We are honoured to be the suppliers in this ongoing programme, being able to provide the necessary scalability, reliability and performance required by our customers."
Notes to Editors: About De La Rue Identity Systems
1. We only deliver government specific identity solutions, working collaboratively with customers in every continent.
2. We produced our first identity document in 1915. Now with an enviable global footprint, Identity Systems has successfully worked with more than 65 different countries since 2005, implementing over 100 national schemes around the world.
3. Our projects are at the forefront of identity document and system innovation - for example from October 2010 we are producing the U.K.'s new ePassport, we have produced the New York State driver's licence for 14 years which is reputed to be the most secure licence in the United States and we are also producing East Africa's first eID for Rwanda.
4. In 2008 De La Rue Identity Systems opened the world's first dedicated and purpose built ePassport research and production facility.
5. De La Rue has delivered the passport solution to Malta since 1997 and the driving licence since 2001.
6. Backed by many years experience in designing and producing passports, Identity Systems experts act as advisers to ICAO and ISO, helping to define global passport standards and electronic infrastructure.
7. We have also contributed to the activities of other international organisations including: Interpol, the United Nations, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Comite Interamericano Contra el Terrorismo (CICTE).
About De La Rue
De La Rue is the world's largest commercial security printer and papermaker, involved in the production of over 150 national currencies and a wide range of security documents such as passports, authentication labels and fiscal stamps. The Company is a leading provider of cash sorting equipment and software solutions to central banks, helping them to reduce the cost of handling cash. De La Rue also pioneers new technologies in government identity solutions for national identification, driver's licence and passport issuing schemes. De La Rue employs over 4,000 people worldwide and is a member of the FTSE 250.
http://www.delarue.com
