Biometric Signature ID – Announces Student ID Verification pilot with University of Maryland University College

Dallas, Texas, – July 3, 2009. Biometric Signature ID (“BSI”) CEO Jeff Maynard announced today that the company is working with UMUC in a pilot project to deliver a new approach to verifying student identity. “ We are excited about introducing our software only solutions with the leading distance education university in the world” states Jeff Maynard CEO of Biometric Signature ID. Higher education institutions offering distance learning programs are looking for a simple, affordable solution that does not require hardware to meet evolving identity management policies in distance education” states Maynard.

“The revised Education Act says Maynard, requires an institution that offers distance education to have processes that establish the student who registers in a distance education course is the same student who participates in and completes the program and receives the academic credit”. With online enrollment increasing 12% annually and over 4M adults taking one or more online courses, BSI’s solutions are very timely. “It is not just about finding a lower cost replacement for proctoring exams states Maynard. “The need is to find identity proofing solutions that can be used efficiently in other distance learning environments including discussion groups, attendance checking, paper submissions, or accessing personal student files”.

Remote computer based tests (CBT’s) have been limited to this point for many institutions due to integrity and identity concerns. It is not always feasible or affordable to have a student go to a physical facility to take an exam, especially if you operate in 25 time zones like UMUC states Maynard. BSI has developed a technology that can confirm the identity of students necessary before access to the CBT is granted. Since higher education is responsible for nearly 25% of all the 250M data breeches in the US, it is important to protect students from having their identities stolen. We saw the need said Maynard and developed a solution that can manage the three critical aspects of identity proofing namely (I.A.A.):
• Identify the user using a unique reference id
• Authenticate the physical user using signature/gesture biometrics
• Authorize a next action from the user relying on the above identity proofing

“We offer a multi layer approach that offers signature/gesture biometrics, image pattern recognition and online electronic signatures that deliver “Best in Class” features. Our solutions are all delivered online and require no additional hardware. The ideal identity proofing strategy is to identify the physical student and only a biometric can do this. Other biometrics require costly hardware and the use of questions or other strategies do not go far enough to authenticate identity of the physical user” said Maynard.

With the BSI system, identity authentication is performed using a dynamic biometric (BioSig-ID Online™) that captures the way the student moves/draws their secret code with their mouse. The student is asked to enroll in the system and creates a profile that is used to compare their signature using random, periodic, challenges. The student also enrolls in BSI’s second layer of identity proofing – Click-ID Online™ an image pattern recognition technology. The integrated solution offers a unique closed loop that allows the student the ability to perform an automatic password re-set and avoid costly help desk calls. The use of our Sig-ID Online™ provides a way for the institution to ensure conformance to the schools code of conduct. Sig-ID Online™ is also an exciting application to have students sign online on their computers using their mouse instead of signing with pen and paper. This speeds up all form signing, reduces paperwork and reduces other costs associated with forms management.
About Biometric Signature ID

A Dallas based software company, BSI provides identity proofing solutions to reduce identity fraud through its’ patented BioSig-ID Online™ biometric handwriting and gesture technologies. Activation is from any mouse, stylus or touchpad on any PC anywhere, anytime. BioSig-ID captures HOW you write/draw including your speed, direction, angle and length which are unique to each individual. Users enroll one time to create a profile (stored in a secure database) and thereafter validate their identity in seconds.

The way you draw or write with a mouse cannot be lost, stolen or borrowed – a major concern with PINS, passwords and tokens. When a user ID’s password or token is stolen or shared with a colleague, the system cannot know who the actual physical user is and the integrity of the system breaks down. BioSig-ID stops identity fraud by restricting access to only registered users who verify themselves against their stored biometric profile.

BSI also offers Click-ID Online (TM) technology that is stronger than a “hard” password or personal questions by clicking on specific objects from a selected image to verify the user’s identity. BSI’s electronic signature Sig-ID Online™ enables users to sign forms or contracts online instantly, thereby increasing revenues and providing proof that the user authorizes the action. BSI offers a complete line of solutions to meet the three most important aspects of Identity Proofing (I.A.A.) – Identify the individual, Authenticate their Identity and employ a technology that Authorizes a next action.
To learn more about how BSI solutions can help with your Identity proofing needs visit our web site at www.biosig-id.com and view our short video demos or call us at: