Protecting U.s. Borders With Biometric Technology

Since 9/11 securing U.S. borders and ports has become the primary focus of the Homeland Security Department. In addition, President Bush placed a high priority on stopping terrorist activities, illegal immigration, and smuggling of weapons and drugs across U.S. borders. In October 2006, the President signed an appropriations act which provides $139 million toward the improvement of border technology including cameras and sensors.

The Convergence of RFID & Biometric Technology

Biometrics are a key part of the initiative aimed at securing U.S. ports and borders. Under the US-VISIT program, foreign visitors must have both index fingers scanned and have a digital photograph taken for identification purposes when traveling. All this information is to be kept on a biometric chip. US-VISIT entry procedures are in place at 115 airports and 15 seaports according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In addition, exit procedures are in full operation at 12 airports and 2 seaports which will expand to all airports and seaports eventually.

Under the provisions of the Visa Waiver Program, 27 nations were required to meet a Congressional mandate requiring passports to have digital photographs by October 26, 2005. The next step is to require these countries to produce "e-passports" with RFID chips containing biographic information (name, birthdate, etc.), a digital photograph, and biometric information such as fingerprints by October 26, 2006.

This will allow for faster and more secure identification of visitors and provide efficient border and port travel for foreign visitors while increasing the ability for federal, state, and local authorities to share information. Many see the convergence of RFID and biometric technology as an effective step in securing U.S. Borders.

Domestic and International Opportunity

In 5 to 10 years every country in the first world will require biometrics on all travel documents such as National ID Cards, Visas, and Passports. The two main goals for the integration of RFID and biometric technology are accuracy and efficiency to facilitate faster and more secure border crossings.

Surveillance Systems

The bombing of a major transit system in London has made effective surveillance technology a top priority. But it's not a matter of simply installing scores of cameras and displaying the feeds on CCTV's. That would be too much information to process in a short period of time. The solution is PRAETORIAN surveillance software which is capable of integrating multiple cameras and sensors into a single, 3D game-like display which is much easier to monitor than dozens of CCTV's. The demand for surveillance technology is expected to grow as the war on terror continues and national and local funding for such technologies increases.

Sensor Technology

Sensor technology is another technology that can help secure our borders and ports by screening cargo and body scanning isn't far behind. Sensor technology that can identify explosives and other harmful materials is currently under development. Our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are currently using EDK123 explosives detection kits which provide a fast reliable field test for detecting trace nitrates found in 85% of all explosives.

Global Security

It's becoming clear that global security is a more accurate term than homeland security as the US works towards securing it's ports and borders. Considering the worldwide theater of terrorist activities, security can no longer be considered in a domestic context alone. Innovative and effective technologies will play an increasing role in securing travel and trade and the industry will continue to grow as it evolves to meet the diverse challenges demanded to fight terror.