Puppy provides fingerprint security

By Simon Aughton

Posted on 20 Jun 2003 at 12:48

Sony has introduced a new security system that prevents anyone without the right fingerprint being able to access a PC.

The FIU-600 Puppy plugs into a USB port and uses capacitance-sending technologies to 'read' your fingerprint. It cannot be fooled by paper copies nor does it require cleaning, says Sony.

Fingerprint technology, says Sony, is inherently more secure than using a collection of passwords, usernames and PINs, especially if you believe the findings of a recent survey that revealed that 90 per cent of computer users would give their password away in exchange for a biro.

Fingerprints can be stored on the local machine or exported, encrypted images can be stored on a server for 'enterprise-wide employee identification solutions'.

The device is bundled with Puppy Suite software for Windows and Mac OS X; Sony says the Puppy is the only device of its kind to support OS X.

According to Tom Evans, VP of marketing for Sony Electronics, 'Once consumers see how easy it is to set up and use, they may never return to passwords and PIN numbers.'

Further information is available at www.sonystyle.com/puppy.