ProtectID
Not quite middle ware, the ProtectID system goes beyond acting as a conduit between biometric hardware and software, or a database. The ProtectID system requires a minimum of three things to authenticate individuals: Something they have (like a phone), something they know (a password or other phrase) and something they are - a biometric such as a voice, iris or fingerprint. When a user attempts to log into a ProtectID-protected system, information such as a user name and password are sent through separate IP routes, making it extremely difficult for spoofers to decrypt this delicate information.

The ProtectID / StrikeForce system works well for Web service authentication, VPN, domain and Web service access, and transaction authentication. Customers also have a variety of options for implementing the solution, including owning it outright, leasing it, or offering it to other customers as a managed service using it for monthly transaction authentication.

The ProtectID system can work on any operating system or platform, using any type of hardware, and using all types of biometrics - from iris recognition to voice verification.

What is "ProtectID"?
ProtectID is an implementation of Out-of-Band Authentication technology for user authentication. It has the following key features:

Provides an open architecture platform for user authentication – Existing authentication products provide single in-band solutions only – for example, finger print verification or iris scan, but not the flexibility of either or both. ProtectID enables any authentication solution to be used to integrate with the ProtectID platform. Different solutions can be mixed, matched or layered. For example finger print verification can be used for domain logon and voice verification via a cell phone can be used for remote access. The ProtectID architecture also allows integration of third party authentication products in almost any combination.

Market Needs
Why Customers need ProtectID: Since the inception of network systems, computer intrusion has occurred from both internal and external sources. As networks become more complex, they also become more difficult to protect. This complexity has given rise to security companies formulating new products. However, these products only mask or patch the areas of break-in. Lately, Theft of services has also been highlighted in the press as a major issue for all markets.

Customer Environments: The computer environments of our customers tend to include an infrastructure network with its base being a LAN layered with a WAN infrastructure and includes Internet accessibility. In most cases our customers already have in place some form of in-band security system to enhance protection from intrusion, i.e. a firewall, VPN scenario, smart card system or biometric.

Customer Experience with Authentication: Customers are experienced with the problems of intrusion, the productivity loss and direct costs associated with the situations that arise as a result of intrusion. In general, companies have spent untold billions over the last fifty years on products that have only patched the problem. To their disappointment, they have found existing solutions have not solved the problem. After explaining to technology directors and senior management teams the reasons why continuity of intrusion has not decreased, they are looking forward to utilizing the ProtectID Out-of-Band authentication solution.

Customer Funding: In the present economic times, IT budgets have been drastically reduced. However, small to midsize organizations along with some of the larger enterprises are specifically allocating funding for the security of their applications and network systems. The present day reality is simple; the need for increased security outweighs budget concerns, especially with a product like ProtectID, which delivers an authentication solution with an attractive price that creates a positive ROI on the capital invested.