Fingerprint and heartbeat biometrics to replace passwords: Nymi and G+D simplify critical access to secure workplaces

Nymi and G+D have combined biometric and contactless technologies into a wristband wearable format allowing people passwordless and handsfree workplace access. This new enterprise access paradigm is secure, and simple to use by following a Privacy by Design and Zero Trust security framework. Employees wear their Nymi BandTM, a wristband activated by fingerprint and heartbeat, to authenticate to the Nymi Connected Worker Platform. Unlike conventional systems, the fingerprint is not compared to a centrally stored image for authentication, but to an abstract mathematical template stored directly in the band's internal chip. Therefore, employees have control over their own biometric data at all times, in contrast to systems with centralized fingerprints, face, or iris recognition that use reference images.

Interoperability with the company's infrastructure is ensured on the Nymi Connected Worker Platform via components from G+D. The Personal Identity Verification (PIV) applet developed by G+D provides a Secure Element (SE) as the fundamental component of the solution. For example, by adding a Legic applet contactless access to authorized devices, networks, and other resources is enabled. Through the Nymi Connected Worker Platform, employees are securely and instantly connected to their entire workplace, across digital and physical environments, and networks. All without the need for passwords that are neither always secure nor convenient.

The long-standing partnership between Nymi and G+D focuses on user-friendly design and aims to provide technology-based solutions that put people first.

"We experience the vulnerabilities of organizations built on password-enabled perimeters every day, in both public and private sectors," explains Chris Sullivan, CEO of Nymi. "That's why the collective shift to passwordless systems is inevitable. Biometrics are the strongest security protocol available to us. However, it’s clear that the loss of biometric identifiers would have far more serious consequences than the loss of a password, and therefore the integrity of biometric solutions is a top priority for organizations in all industries."

“Security management of sensitive company areas takes up a lot of time, financial and human resources every year," emphasizes Dr. Ferdinand Burianek, Head of Public Sector, Transit and Enterprise Security business of G+D. "The use of biometric data saved on a Secure Element itself can open up completely new possibilities here. After all, it is crucial how and where sensitive data and applications are stored. Beyond users’ control of their biometric data at all times, our solution ensures also a combination of great user experience and high security."

This video shows the daily usage possibilities of the wearable.

About Giesecke+Devrient
Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) is a global security technology group headquartered in Munich. As a partner to organizations with highest demands, G+D engineers trust and secures essential values with its solutions. The company's innovative technology protects physical and digital payments, the connectivity of people and machines, the identity of people and objects, as well as digital infrastructures and confidential data. G+D was founded in 1852. In the fiscal year 2020, the company generated a turnover of 2.31 billion euros with around 11,500 employees. G+D is represented by 74 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 32 countries. Further information: www.gi-de.com.

About Nymi
Nymi connects people and processes as a service with the Nymi Connected Worker Platform. Delivered through its secure wearable, the Nymi BandTM, the platform unifies the workplace across multiple environments and networks by securing the point at which employee and technology converge. By moving identity to the secure edge, organizations are able to eliminate silos and gain a complete view of their business with new applications enabled exclusively through a connected worker approach. As part of its diverse, global customer base, Nymi serves the world’s largest enterprises with deployments across 15 countries. Learn more at nymi.com or info@nymi.com.