Sun pushes biometric security to banks

Sun Microsystems is aiming its high-security log-on system, combining biometrics with smartcard technology, at banks and healthcare.

The product provides user login authentication in line with the FBI's National Institute of Standards and Technology criteria.

It combines the company's Sun Ray Solaris clients with AC Technology's BiObex software and Cross Match Technologies' Verifier fingerprint scanning device.

Sun claimed that, because the Sun Ray client stores no sensitive data locally, the possibility of data theft is virtually eliminated.

The Unix giant is marketing the product, originally designed for use by government, to other markets that require high-security measures for enabling network access, such as financial services and healthcare.

Thomas Kreidler, president of Sun Microsystems Federal, said in a statement: "Given the focus of the government's recent National Cybersecurity plan for preventing cyber terrorism and identity theft, this new solution comes at an important time.

"Partnering with AC and Cross Match enables us to meet the increasing levels of security necessary for government institutions, while providing the commercial sector with a government-quality security solution at the same time."