BANQUE DE LUXEMBOURG
by Precise Biometrics

Precise Biometrics' fingerprint readers prevent unauthorized access.

Banque de Luxembourg (Luxembourg), a modern bank with its sights set on the future, with 600 employees accessing various bank applications with the need of protection from unauthorized access.

Challenge: Not long ago, the 600 employees of Banque de Luxembourg had to keep track of a lot of different passwords—all to maintain confidentiality. Many bank applications have to be protected from unauthorized access. Consequently, a single user could need as many as ten different passwords, which in some cases had to be changed as frequently as once a month. Forgotten passwords led to extra costs for password administration at the IT department. In addition, a misplaced or a stolen password was a threat to the security system of the bank.

Solution: After testing and comparing PIN codes with fingerprints in smart card based IT applications, it was clear that fingerprints were the solution that best satisfied the bank’s demands.

Fingerprint reader: Combined fingerprint and smart card reader, Precise 100 SC, including Precise Match-on-Card™ functionality

Logon and Single Sign On application: SafeGuard Biometrics and SafeGuard Advance Security from Utimaco safeware.

Smart card: The Miotec® Biometric PKI card with multi-functionality.

Precise 100 SC: After testing and comparing biometrics with PIN codes, it was clear that biometrics was the Solution that best satisfied the bank’s demands.

Result: Unauthorized access to the bank’s applications is no longer a big issue at Banque de Luxembourg. Now all employees at the bank login to all applications with fingerprints and smart cards, which has made login routines easier and make money saved on password administration feasible. The solution offers Precise Match-On-Card™ functionality, which means that the users never need to feel concerned that their fingerprints could be stolen and abused—the fingerprint is stored and matched directly on the card, not in a database. Each user has a single card not only for login to workstations and IT systems, but also for using time-management systems and the bank’s lifts, paying in the bank’s restaurant, and accessing bank buildings and parking.

Why Precise Biometrics? Utimaco Safeware’s proposal to Banque de Luxembourg included Precise Biometrics’ fingerprint readers and Precise Match-on-Card™ technology. The solution was tested with great success and satisfied the bank’s needs. It offered an increased level of security in combination with user- friendliness, the bank’s foremost demands.

Secure access to bank applications for all 600 users

When René Chevremont, head of IT security at Banque de Luxembourg, was overhauling the bank’s IT security system he contacted its previous contractor, Utimaco Safeware. The solution Utimaco proposed included Precise Biometrics’ fingerprint readers. It was tested with great success, and today employees at the bank enjoy a secure and convenient login to their networks.

Unauthorized access to the bank’s applications is no longer a big issue at Banque de Luxembourg’s office on Boulevard Royal in Luxembourg.

Why did you choose a biometric security solution?
RC: We needed reliable authentication - that was one of the bank’s foremost demands. But as well as being secure, the system also needed to be user-friendly. The biometrics portion was fully integrated in the security solution that Utimaco Safeware proposed for us. After testing and comparing biometrics with PIN codes, it was clear that biometrics was the solution that best satisfied our demands.

How was the pilot installation implemented?
RC: We tested the solution initially on a small scale in the bank’s IT security division before starting the project. Afterwards, 30 people gave the system a thorough operational testing before we implemented it throughout the bank. Because we have many different systems and workstations, we had to work closely with Utimaco Safeware to solve problems that arose during the test period.

What was your experience with Precise Biometrics?
RC: We have great faith in the company, its competence and its ability to develop and maintain its products. We’ve also had good experiences in our relations with company representatives.

What has the new solution meant for you?
RC: As before, our security system is based on user IDs and passwords. The passwords are changed at regular intervals, but with our new system the user need not keep track of the password - that’s all done by the smart card. Access to the card is fingerprint-protected. This has meant a considerable reduction in login errors.

How have the bank’s employees received the new technology?
RC: After the initial problems were ironed out, most employees have adapted to the new technology. They’ve discovered the advantages over the old system - it’s simple, efficient and secure. Quite simply, they think it’s brilliant!

How have other industry players reacted to your new system?
RC: I participate in several workgroups together with colleagues from other banks, and I see increased interest for the type of security solution we chose at Banque de Luxembourg.

For more information on how Precise Biometrics can benefit you contact our sales representatives:

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Website: www.precisebiometrics.com