FCO and GSSC Team to Create World's First Self-Authenticating Passport

- New Belgian passport introduces technological breakthrough in verifying
covert data -

LAKE WORTH, Fla., March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Graphic Security Systems
Corporation (GSSC) and F. C. Oberthur (FCO) have teamed to produce the world's
first self-authenticating passport. It was introduced in the new Belgian
passport released on February 1, 2008.
FCO, the French security printer which produces the Belgian passport, has
added an optical decoder page in the passport opposite the data page. When
placed over the photo, the decoder page verifies the presence of GSSC's
Scrambled Indicia feature hidden in the holder's photo. The Scrambled
Indicia feature reveals any fraudulent changes to the photo or information
printed on the data page.
"Scrambled Indicia, like all covert features, requires a tool to be
checked," said Thomas C. Alasia, president and COO, GSSC. "Oberthur's
innovative production of a decoder page puts the tool right into the hands of
passport inspectors anywhere in the world, making this a true first-line-of-
defense security feature."
Lars Gabel, director ID/Document Security, GSSC, adds: "Passport fraud is
95% photo substitution. If you can stop that, you have effectively stopped
passport fraud. The Scrambled Indicia technology has protected millions of
passports around the world since 1982. Now, with this self-checking technology
FCO and GSSC have made it possible for any inspector to verify the
authenticity of the passport on the spot and first-time."
In addition to providing effective protection of passports, GSSC's
patented self-authentication technology has tremendous potential for brand
protection and other documents where security is a priority such as bank
notes.
Graphic Security Systems Corporation (GSSC) is an anti-counterfeiting
technology company providing state-of-the-art document security and brand
protection solutions. GSSC products range from easy on-the-spot
authentication to sophisticated encoded digital files, and are featured on
billions of packages, passports, currencies and more. GSSC patented security
technology has provided cost-effective security solutions to
security-sensitive organizations for 25+ years. For additional information
visit: www.graphicsecurity.com.
Oberthur Technologies is a world leader in the field of secure
technologies. Innovation and high quality services ensure the company strong
position in its main markets: Smart Cards, Secure Printing and Cash
Protection. The company has been in business for more than 300 years.
Contact: Lars Gabel, GSSC, 847.328.9343
SOURCE Graphic Security Systems Corporation

Lars Gabel of Graphic Security Systems Corporation, +1-847-328-9343