Tascent Introduces InSight One High-Throughput Iris and Face Recognition System
The biometrics company Tascent, Inc. has introduced InSight One, which the company calls a new class of iris and face recognition system for high-throughput enrollment, identification, and authentication. Tascent says its new system captures dual iris and face images in about two seconds from distances between 20 and 40 inches and can adapt to a range of users of differing heights. Tascent also says the InSight One is intuitive, making it was for first time users, and providing images that meet or exceed industry and international standards for format and quality. The system can be mounted in a range of configurations, including desktop, eGate and kiosks. “After years of development leveraging the experience from processing tens of millions of passengers a year in our global deployments, Tascent is tremendously excited to announce the availability of InSight One,” says Joey Pritikin, vice president of Marketing and Product Management at Tascent. “We set out to create a product with the versatility of combined iris and face capture that would change perspectives on usability, performance, and design for biometric systems. The result is something that really connects with people while delivering outstanding biometric performance, unlike anything of its kind.” Tascent says it has already received production orders and will be deploying InSight One in consumer-facing applications focusing on travel and identity early this year.
HID Global Introduces End-to-End Identity and Access Management Solution
HID Global has introduced what it says is the industry’s first end-to identity access management solution that enables government agencies and other organizations requiring higher security to use a single credential for accessing doors, IT systems, networks and data. HID Global says its HID PIV solution provides complete identity life-cycle management, from identity proofing plus secure credential issuance and use, to deprovisioning of these credentials. “HID PIV represents the industry’s first comprehensive IAM solution that provides trusted identities for accessing both IT and physical domains,” says Brad Jarvis, vice president and managing director of IAM Solutions with HID Global. HID Global is part of ASSA ABLOY Group.
Coast Guard Tests ScanEagle sUAS Aboard NSC Stratton
The Coast Guard earlier this month completed system operational verification testing of a Boeing [BA] ScanEagle small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) aboard the National Security Cutter Stratton based in Alameda, Calif. The Stratton crew and UAS program officials tested the power, communications, and launch and recovery systems that make up the sUAS to ensure that all parts functioned as needed and to identify areas needing improvement. The testing prepared the Coast Guard for the sUAS deployment on Stratton this winter, for which data will help the service assess how to make the most of sUAS capabilities on patrol while minimizing risk. The deployment data will also help refine the concept of operations and requirements for installing and integrating future systems across the NSC class. The initial deployment will use the ScanEagle through a June 2016 order on a pre-existing multiple-award contract executed by the Naval Air Systems Command. The requirements will inform a request for proposal for sUAS planned by the end of FY ’17 for sUAS on the NSCs. The contract award for retrofit of Stratton and one additional NSC is targeted for FY ’18. The Coast Guard says it is also looking into the possibility of integrating sUAS into other cutter operations.
Private Equity Firm LLR Acquires Northrop Grumman’s Commercial Cyber Business
The private equity firm LLR Partners has acquired the commercial cyber security business Acuity Solutions Corporation from Northrop Grumman [NOC] and has renamed the business BluVector. LLR has committed $50 million to BluVector to support the acquisition and future growth plans. LLR says that BluVector will operate as a stand-alone business, led by its CEO Kris Lovejoy. Lovejoy was president of the business unit within Northrop Grumman. BluVector uses machine learning to provide network-based Advanced Threat Detection and reduce response times from months to minutes. “As part of Northrop Grumman, we were able to create truly innovative threat hunting capabilities and disrupt the market,” says Lovejoy. “Emerging as a standalone business now gives BluVector the opportunity to extend our leadership position in both existing and emerging security sectors. Partnering with LLR brings to the equation a keen understanding of the cyber market and the resources to help us accelerate growth in the commercial space.” Northrop Grumman says that it “continues to focus on building its global leadership in large-scale, government-focused, full-spectrum cyber capabilities.”
Arlington Capital’s Polaris Alpha Acquires Intelesys
Polaris Alpha has acquired Intelesys Corporation in a deal that significantly expands its capabilities in the cyber and signals intelligence arena. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Polaris Alpha is a portfolio company of the private equity firm Arlington Capital Partners. Intelesys and Polaris Alpha are both based in Maryland near the National Security Agency and United States Cyber Command. Intelesys provides computer network operations and cyber solutions to the intelligence community. The company has expertise in software engineering, embedded development, network engineering and analysis, reverse engineering and malware analysis. Polaris provides mission critical technology, software and solutions to the defense and intelligence communities. “The acquisition is a natural fit to complement Polaris Alpha’s existing cyber defense offering,” Peter Cannito, CEO of Polaris Alpha, said in a statement. “By adding Intelesys, Polaris now provides the full spectrum of cyber operational capabilities required to support the military and intelligence communities.”