Case Studies

The Port of Halifax takes security to the cutting edge

The Port of Halifax partnered with Unisys to develop a robust, customized Port Identification Card credentialing and authentication database solution that utilizes vascular biometric scanners to authenticate the identity of card users at automated entry points to marine facilities.

By utilizing a solution combining Unisys security integration expertise with smart card technology and vascular biometric scanning devices, the Port of Halifax gained the powerful security infrastructure and effective authentication capabilities vital to responding to the evolving face of global threats. As a result, the port has a solution in place that promises to improve the overall effectiveness of its security processes.

Called Credentialing and Authentication Control Database System (CACDS), this solution combines vascular biometrics – an identification method that scans the flow of blood through the veins on the back of an individual’s hand – with a database developed by Unisys containing the names of participating port workers.

Metrics

• Performance: Scans vascular patterns, cross–checks them with a worker’s stored identity, and grants access to port facilities in under one second
• Accuracy: Capable of performing scans with a false acceptance rate (FAR) of .0001 percent and a false rejection rate (FRR) of .1 percent
• Usability: Able to limit user–related errors by utilizing scanning technology with a 99.98 percent usability ratio
• Flexibility: Offers the scalability to employ the solution in different contexts as new needs arise
• Compliance: Meets Marine Transportation Security Regulation authentication requirements Business

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