Military certifies biometric profile

The Defense Department also launched a biometrics Web site.

Defense Department biometrics Web site

Officials at the Defense Department's Biometrics Management Office announced that the National Information Assurance Partnership has certified the first of five planned biometric protection profiles for DOD and other government agencies.

The U.S. Government Biometric Verification Mode Protection Profile for Medium Robustness Environments specifies minimum security requirements for virtual environments. A protection profile establishes the information assurance criteria for a given "class" of product, ensuring agencies don't buy devices that create security risks.

Also, the department launched a Web site for the office and the biometrics fusion center. The site, www.biometrics.dod.mil, provides technology tutorials, test and evaluation updates, policy foundation background, and information on industry and government partnerships.

According to a statement released today by Defense officials, the site consolidates information that had previously been posted in different areas. It is designed to serve the needs of DOD officials and biometrics vendors.

"This comprehensive site offers a broad look into these latest developments, and also provides a sounding board for visitors to share their interests in biometrics so that we may better understand the requirements of our DOD community," said John Woodward, director of the Biometrics Management Office.