Cross-Connect Blog

Facts you Need to Know: Zwipe® Access Card with Biometric Authentication

January 25, 2018

 

Zwipe Access Card with Biometric AuthenticationSince its introduction, Chatsworth Products (CPI) has seen a lot of interest in its Zwipe® Access Card with Biometric Authentication. It's not surprising considering the increase in data breaches and the need for heightened security.

Take a closer look at some interesting facts about the Zwipe Access Card and find out how simple, secure and beneficial this type of technology can be.

Q. What is the Zwipe Access Card?

A. Zwipe Access Card is a fingerprint-activated biometric access card that provides the security of dual-factor authentication and the speed and convenience of contactless credentials at the cabinet level and beyond.

Q. How is fingerprint data stored on the card?

A. Every administrator can provide their team members with a card. Each user must enroll to have full user-capability. During enrollment, the built-in fingerprint scanner captures a 3D representation of the finger and sends this to the patent-pending algorithm that extracts the unique information used for matching. Then stores this as a binary data template—no full fingerprint is ever stored. More precisely, a hash cryptogram is made of the template, and this is permanently saved within the processor's non-volatile memory. The processor is hereafter locked down to ensure confidentiality of the firmware and finger print templates. The Zwipe has of a fingerprint has no value in any other fingerprint based system.

Q. Does the Zwipe Access Card work with existing locks?

A. Yes, the Zwipe Access Card is compatible with most existing card-activated locks, such as CPI's eConnect® Electronic Access Control and Networked Electronic Access Control Solutions. There is typically no need to replace and readers or backend systems. This enables significant cost savings. 

Q. Is the card tamper resistant?

A. The Zwipe credential is tamper resistant/evident using a combination of a special liner for water resistance and internal locking posts. Attempts to open the card would cause physical damage to the internal posts indicating the card has been tampered with.

Q. Does the card lock out after a certain number of authentication failures?

A. The credential allows three failed authorization attempts then powers down. The authentication process can immediately start again by powering up the credential. Zwipe has not incorporated a permanent lock out feature.

Q. How durable is the card?

A. The Zwipe card should be treated like your cell phone (or better), for years of use. The credentials hold up well being exposed to dirt, grease, moisture, and the occasional drop. The cards are water resistant, not water proof, and operate best between -20° to 40° C. The fingerprint sensor is tested to 10 million scans and has a protective scratch resistant material over the sensor’s surface.

Q. What is the warranty?

A. All products sold are warranted against defects in workmanship and material under normal use for a period of twelve months. Products which have been subjected to unusual physical, environmental or electrical stress might not be covered under warranty.

To review more essential facts about Zwipe Access Cards with Biometric Authentication, view the full FAQ document here. 

Brittany Mangan, Digital Content Specialist

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