TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) deployment delayed due to power surge

According to the TSA.gov website, the required compliance date for some TWIC users has been pushed back to December 1st (from Octber 31st) due to a power surge event at the MD facility housing the central computers that drive the system.

TWIC credentials are the result of the post-September 11 plan to secure all US ports and transportation facilities with a single unified credential. As noted on the TSA website, the cards use the following technologies to verify identity and provide information security:

Dual Interface Integrated Circuit Chips (ICC) that can be read by either inserting the card in a slot in a "contact" card reader; or, holding the card within 10 centimeters of a "contactless" card reader (Also know as desfire)

• Magnetic Stripe that is read by "swiping" the card through a magnetic stripe card reader


• Linear Bar Code used to quickly identify items by scanning the codes with an optical reader

The TWIC program is a huge step forward for port security. The cards will most assuredly provide the level of identity verification that our security services have needed for quite some time.

We say: Although the TWIC does have inherently fraud-proof features, why not increase the security of the internal ICC chip by protecting it with the SkimSAFE Electromagnetically Opaque Sleeve? The SkimSAFE costs less than $5 (far less than the $100+ price for each TWIC) and it provides a priceless level of security to the cardholder and a boost to the integrity of the system as a whole.

SkimSAFE protects TWIC, CAC, PIV, and many other cards including RFID cards used in the private sector for facility access control and logical access to PC workstations. It's the smart choice for users of contactless cards. The electromagnetically opaque sleeve is available here in packs of 25.

CredEx Promo Credential Set

We recently manufactured this lanyard, badge holder, and credential for a marketing promotion and thought we would give you a look. It's a sweet set. Check out these features:

Lanyard
- 100% recycled fabric
- Reflective background
- Glow-in-the-dark ink
- One spot ink each side
- Many configurations are available

Oversize Badge Holder
- Glow-in-the-dark ink
- Spot ink
- Custom sizes are available

Jumbo Credential
- 4-color full bleed printing
- Fixed and variable data
- Offered as service or on-site

Interesting? Call for samples or visit Credential Express

Why doesn't media get photo ID right?

Last month GM was running their "Employee Pricing" sales program to boost sales. I noticed the poster at the local Chevy dealership showed a bunch of employee photo ID cards, but the corners were square, not rounded. How did the advertising folks not catch this?

Below is the opening sequence for the TV show "Chuck". Pretty clever. Not a bad badge, but I would expect a last name somewhere. And I'm sure not protecting the barcode from making a copy would never be a problem. The high quality of employees at office stores would never swipe in a time clock for each other!



There there is the ID badge above meant to replicate "The Office" photo ID. What's up with this? Is it still 1984? When was the last time any company used an ID that was not PVC? The size is even non-standard. And the setting is a remote office, so wouldn't it be sweet if they had to "swipe the old time clock" every day?

Sigh...maybe I've just become a photo ID geek.

The cost of forged ID cards

Terrorist organisations operating in Kashmir could be asking their cadres to carry forged voter’s identity cards purportedly issued by governments of southern States, including that of far-flung Kerala, to possibly demonstrate that they have a pan-India support for their cause, official sources said.

The State police here have received faxed copies of the purportedly Kerala-issued electoral ID cards recovered from the bodies of suspected militants killed in an encounter with the security forces in the Lolab valley on October 7 and later on October 11. (more here)

We say: Customers often ask the cost of ID card security features and then elect to cut costs by not utilizing the available technologies. Do you think a few extra dimes or nickels is a good investment when it can save lives? And it is not just a problem for other outposts in other parts of the world!

New Zebra RFID Card Printers Help Vail Resorts Improve Skier and Snowboarder Experience

Vail Resorts will use handheld RF scanners to detect lift passes through skiers' coats, providing an easier, more convenient experience without the need for the swiping or barcode scanning of passes. The new RFID-enabled system consists of a Zebra Gen 2 RFID card and Zebra P330i passive UHF RFID card printer, which was selected based on ease of use, speed and reliability. (more here)

We say: What would make this card even better? Duraflex technology for the best RFID card durability on the market.

Hospital to require IDs, driver’s license information for night visitors

Visitors to Greenville Memorial Hospital will be required to have an identification badge to see ailing friends and relatives at night, beginning Wednesday, as part of a plan to keep unwanted people out.

Under the FAST-PASS program, visitors to the main hospital from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. must have the badge, said security director Shawn Reilly. Both visitors and patients in the emergency room will be required to have the badge at any time, he said.

The $15,000 system isn’t the result of a specific incident, he said, but part of an ongoing process to enhance security. (more here)

We say: It's great to see a security team acting before there is an incident! Too often good security is tabled to save a few dollars until there is a major problem.

More on SkimSafe

Our new SkimSafe anti-skimming badge holders were well received at the ASIS exhibits this week. Both current models are simple, elegant, and effective. They are already FIPS201 approved.

Many government officials and defense contractors are well aware of the recent NASA document. Our designs avoid any similar problem.

Please visit our new SkimSafe web site for information and sample requests.