Morpho, World’s First Company to Receive Common Criteria Certification for Fake Finger Detection

Report by Santanu Ganguly, New Delhi: Morpho (Safran), the world leader in biometric technology, today announced that it has become the first company to achieve Common Criteria certification* for fingerprint spoof detection in a biometric device. Certification of the MorphoSmart™ Optic 301 fingerprint reader by German certification body BSI** means that the device has gone through a rigorous analysis and testing process in order to meet the industry’s highest standards for spoof detection.

The MSO 301 fingerprint reader integrates advanced patented technology which analyzes specific features of the human skin to detect and reject spoofing attacks. The device is used in a wide range of applications including access control in sensitive areas, border control and bank transactions (cash withdrawal and payment), which require the highest level of security.

“With the wide deployment of biometrics and the rise in identity fraud, Morpho has been advocating the need for rigorous evaluation of anti-spoofing devices. Being the first in the world to achieve this certification is therefore a major milestone for us”, said Philippe Petitcolin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morpho.

*Common Criteria: internationally recognized criteria (ISO standard 15408) which define a common framework for evaluating and certifying security features and capabilities of Information Technology security products. The certificate complies with BSI protection profile BSI-CC-PP-0062-2010.

** BSI (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik): the German Federal Office for Information Security is an independent certification body.

Morpho, a high-technology company of Safran, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of identification, detection and e-document solutions. Morpho is specialized in personal rights and flow management applications, in particular based on biometrics, a sector in which it is the world leader, as well as secure terminals and smart cards. Morpho’s integrated systems and equipment are deployed worldwide and contribute to the safety and security of transportation, data, people and countries.