SCM Microsystems Delivers Smart Card Readers for Belgium's National e-ID Program
October 26 2004 - 3:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
SCM Microsystems Delivers Smart Card Readers for Belgium's National
e-ID Program FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SCM
Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SCMM; Prime Standard: SMY) today
announced it has delivered smart card readers to international
technology group Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) for use in
Belgium's National e-ID program. Belgium is becoming the first
European country to standardize the electronic identity card. By
the end of 2009, every Belgian citizen will be required to own an
electronic ID card. To meet this requirement, close to ten million
cards will be issued to the country's citizens over the next three
to five years. G&D specified SCM's Secure Trusted Readers,
which will be installed at all Belgium municipalities for use with
National e-ID smart cards. Secure Trusted Readers are dedicated to
applications requiring high levels of security, such as the
security needed for Belgium's e-ID program. "We chose SCM as our
exclusive supplier of smart card readers because their products
deliver the high performance needed for the e-ID program," said Jan
Van Eenoo, sales director of G&D Belgium. "SCM smart card
readers provide highly secure access to sensitive, personal data
such as that contained on Belgium's e-ID." The Secure Trusted
Reader is a programmable device that includes a smart card reader,
a display and a secure PIN (Personal Identification Number) pad. It
features embedded 1024 bit public key cryptographic functions for
stronger authentication and a tamper evident design. The Secure
Trusted Reader is based on SCM's proven STC II microcontroller and
proprietary interface that brings a common set of advanced reader
functions including flexible communications, compatibility with
SCM's highly successful SmartOS(TM) middleware and on-board flash
memory that works with the cryptographic capabilities to provide
seamless and secure firmware upgrades in the field. Secure Trusted
Readers are fully tested and compliant with all smart cards on the
market, Microsoft Windows and all relevant industry standards. "The
fact that Giesecke & Devrient selected SCM smart card readers
for this groundbreaking project is a strong testimony to the
security, user friendliness and reliability of our products," said
Robert Schneider, chief executive officer of SCM Microsystems. The
e-ID cards, valid for five years, will contain an embedded
microchip storing the holder's personal data, including date of
birth, family tree, civil status, current and past addresses and
military situation. The chip will also contain a digital
certificate that will allow remote access authentication. With the
card, users can access e-government applications, attaching an
electronic signature to certify the authenticity of data
transmitted when needed. These digital signatures will have the
same legal value as hand written signatures. In addition, private
companies such as banks expect to develop services that will
leverage the electronic ID card. Initially the card will not
contain biometric data, but this can be included at a later stage
if deemed necessary. About Giesecke & Devrient: Giesecke &
Devrient (G&D) is a technology leader in the supply of smart
cards, systems and solutions for telecommunications, electronic
payment transactions, transportation, health, ID, loyalty and
multimedia applications as well as Internet security (PKI). G&D
is also a leading provider of banknotes and securities as well as
currency processing equipment. The Giesecke & Devrient Group,
headquartered in Munich / Germany, operates subsidiaries and joint
ventures all over the world. G&D employs around 6,800 people
world-wide and generates an annual revenue in excess of 1.05
Billion Euro. For more information, visit http://www.gi-de.com/.
About SCM Microsystems SCM Microsystems is a leading supplier of
solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to
securely access digital content and services. The company develops,
markets and sells its smart card reader technology for network and
physical access and conditional access modules for secure digital
TV decryption to OEM customers in the government, financial,
enterprise and broadcasting markets worldwide. Global headquarters
are in Fremont, California, with European headquarters in Ismaning,
Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems web
site at http://www.scmmicro.com/. NOTE: All company and/or product
names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
manufacturers. DATASOURCE: SCM Microsystems, Inc. CONTACT: Dr.
Manfred Muller of SCM Microsystems, 49 89 9595 5140, or ; or Deb
Montner of Montner & Associates, +1-203-226-9290, or , for SCM
Microsystems, Inc. Web site: http://www.gi-de.com/ Web site:
http://www.scmmicro.com/
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