SANTA ANA, Calif. and ISMANING, Germany, Oct. 26, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SCM Microsystems, a leading provider of solutions for secure access, secure identity and secure exchange, and a business unit of Identive Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:INVE) (Frankfurt:INV), today announced the CHIPDRIVE® IT Security Kit, which protects personal data online when used with the new German electronic ID cards.
Beginning November 2010, the German government will start issuing a new electronic ID card based on contactless smart card technology to all citizens. The ID card includes an electronic proof of identity (eID) feature that safeguards the user's personal data when transferring information over the Internet, such as when making online purchases, downloading music, confirming age or place of birth, filing an insurance claim, or communicating with local or federal authorities and administrations. To use the eID feature online, a dedicated smart card reader is required. Using the reader and the eID feature together significantly increases online trust and security compared with simply typing a user name and password, which is still the most widespread but easily attackable security method used for online transactions.
The CHIPDRIVE IT Security Kit includes a smart card reader for contactless smart cards certified by the German Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik, or "BSI"), a government-provided eID interface application (AusweisApp), and a 12-months' license for the popular AVIRA Antivirus and Firewall software, AntiVir Premium, valued at 19.95 EUR. The package ensures high security when providing or transmitting personal data online using the new German ID card.
The new CHIPDRIVE IT Security Kit includes a convenient USB contactless smart card reader that can be used with the German ID card as well as with cards for transport applications and other payment systems. The rich functionality and ergonomic design make the reader ideal for use in offices and at home. An internal flash allows secure firmware updates in the field. With the CHIPDRIVE IT Security Kit, SCM Microsystems addresses the need for all German citizens to have cost-effective access to the new eID capability of the German ID card. The CHIPDRIVE IT Security Kit is immediately available. The package is 24.95 EUR including VAT (20.21 EUR excluding VAT, excluding shipping costs). More information can be found at .
About CHIPDRIVE
SCM Microsystems' CHIPDRIVE-branded packages for small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals offer affordable, customizable solutions for security, identification, home banking and eCommerce, as well as smart card-based time recording and business productivity systems. CHIPDRIVE solutions consist of smart cards used for the authentication of individuals; card readers/terminals for both fixed and mobile, contact and contactless environments; and software to enable productivity applications such as network logon, authentication and password management. CHIPDRIVE Time Recording solutions allow easy and fast recording of employee working hours.
About SCM Microsystems
SCM Microsystems, a business unit of Identive Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:INVE) (Frankfurt:INV), is a leading provider of solutions for secure access, secure identity and secure exchange. The company offers the world's broadest range of contact, contactless and mobile smart card reader and terminal technology, digital identity and transaction platforms, as well as systems that integrate physical and logical access control. SCM's smart card-based products and solutions are utilized around the world to enable security and identification applications, transaction systems, eHealth- and eGovernment programs and physical access systems.
Identive Group, Inc. is a leading provider of products, services and solutions for the security, identification and RFID industries. For additional information, visit and .
Note: All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The SCM Microsystems logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=8073
CONTACT: SCM Microsystems Annika Oelsner +49 89 9595-5220 aoelsner@scmmicro.com Identive Group Darby Dye +1 949 553-4251 ddye@identive-group.com