3M Cogent Biometric Access Control Readers Approved to Authenticate TWIC Credentials
3M Cogent’s biometric access control readers have successfully completed
the United States Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Worker Identification Credential
(TWIC) Initial Capability Evaluation (ICE) assessment. 3M Cogent’s MiY-ID and MiY-Card biometric readers are now
listed on the TWIC ICE Fixed Reader list. Both devices support the TWIC Privacy Key (TPK) enciphered on-card
reference biometrics during registration and in operation.
TSA developed the TWIC program in response to the Maritime Transportation
Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). MTSA requires individuals who access secure areas of
maritime facilities and vessels to obtain a TWIC card -- a secure credential
containing personalized biometric information. The MiY-ID and MiY-Card readers can
validate and authenticate the TWIC cards and verify the identity of the person using
the card at access control points, helping to ensure only those who are intended to
have privileged access are able to enter secure maritime facilities.
“Passing the TSA TWIC assessment is a significant milestone for our MiY biometric
access control readers,” said Christopher Crump, Director, 3M Cogent Commercial
Business. “We designed the readers to meet the standards of the TWIC ICE
assessment, knowing that all readers purchased with Port Security Grant Program
funds must pass TWIC ICE evaluation requirements.”
All MiY readers are designed to perform fast and accurate biometric and credential authentication. The MiY product
line provides single and multi-factor access control. Single factors include fingerprint, pin, or card, while multi-factor
authentications combine three or four credential authenticators enabling more stringent security access controls
where it is required. The MiY product line can interface with most physical access control systems and supports
most government issued credentials. Finally, the readers easily facilitate third party integration.