AuthenTec Introduces New Fingerprint Sensor Targeted for Secure Mobile Payment Transactions

NEW ORLEANS--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--AuthenTec (NASDAQ: AUTH), a leading provider of mobile and network security, introduced today a new smart fingerprint sensor tailored for mobile commerce (mCommerce) applications requiring strong but effortless security in today’s NFC-equipped smartphones and tablets. AuthenTec’s AES2750 represents the best features of previous smart sensor designs, including a wide 192 pixel by 8 pixel fingerprint sensor array plus new features including hybrid fingerprint matching (on sensor match + host match), AES, RSA and SHA encryption blocks, and One Time Password (OTP) generation all in a narrow package for easy and inexpensive integration.

“AuthenTec’s AES2750 provides the broadest array of integrated security features we’ve ever offered in a smart fingerprint sensor for mobile devices”

The AES2750’s utilizes an innovative and unique new package design, with a narrow Y-dimension and rounded edges enabling mounting in narrow spaces or edges of smartphones and tablets as well as through-hole glass mounting for touchscreen-enabled mobile devices. The package is completely flat and over molded in plastic for accommodating the elegant industrial design of today’s leading smartphones. The modular package design reduces bill of material (BOM) costs required for sensor integration by handset and tablet OEMs.

AuthenTec’s AES2750 features best-in-class security including hybrid, on-chip fingerprint matching/confirmation, encryption of enrolled fingerprint templates and user credentials, and an encrypted SPI system interface. Encryption is used extensively in the AES2750 sensor to ensure protection of personal data, fingerprint matching templates and user credentials. Optimized for NFC based smart phone architectures, the AES2750 can interact directly with payment applications within the secure element and provide direct NFC radio control based on positive authentication of the user.

“AuthenTec’s AES2750 provides the broadest array of integrated security features we’ve ever offered in a smart fingerprint sensor for mobile devices,” said Art Stewart, AuthenTec’s Vice President of Smart Sensor Solutions. “This is a highly complementary solution to NFC mCommerce smart phones, compatible with today’s NFC and Secure Element subsystems to provide strong transaction security with an ease of use and convenience exceeding PIN/password or pattern-based security. Early feedback from smartphone and tablet OEMs has been very positive, particularly about sensor aesthetics and security, and we already have design wins for this ‘made for mobile commerce’ sensor.”

Key Features & Specifications:

Hybrid, on-chip matching (confirming match with host processor)
Encrypted SPI system interface
On-chip encryption of enrolled fingerprint templates and user credentials
Adaptive, low-power fingerprint imaging
Durable TouchStone™ II package technology
Beveled package contour supporting in-glass integration options
Ultra-hard surface coating offers >9H scratch hardness for >10 million rubs
Expanded sensing width for multi-network biometric device requirements
On-chip touch navigation
Supports OAuth open standard for authorization, secure NFC, and OTP protocols

The AES2750 is available now in an over molded 19-ball BGA and in production volumes. AuthenTec’s newest smart sensor for mobiles will be on display at the Company’s booth in the Mobile Commerce Pavilion at CTIA Wireless 2012 in New Orleans (booth #4464).

AuthenTec offers complete security solutions for handset makers, mobile operators, and rich content providers, including fingerprint sensor hardware, identity management software and embedded security. The Company has shipped more than 20 million fingerprint sensors for use in mobile devices. AuthenTec’s proven embedded security offering includes its DRM Fusion™ Agent for content protection that supports multiple industry standards, and its QuickSec™ Mobile VPN solution tailored specifically for Android smartphones and tablets and Apple iPhones and iPads.

About AuthenTec

AuthenTec is a leading provider of mobile and network security. The Company's diverse product and technology offering helps protect individuals and organizations through secure networking, content and data protection, access control and strong fingerprint security on PCs and mobile devices. AuthenTec encryption technology, fingerprint sensors and identity management software are deployed by the leading mobile device, networking and computing companies, content and service providers, and governments worldwide. AuthenTec's products and technologies provide security on hundreds of millions of devices, and the Company has shipped more than 100 million fingerprint sensors for integration in a wide range of portable electronics including over 20 million mobile phones. Top tier customers include Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Fujitsu, HBO, HP, Lenovo, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Orange, Samsung, Sky, and Texas Instruments. Learn more at authentec.com or follow us on Twitter @authentecnews.