By Vishwesh Iyer
SINGAPORE, October 23, 2024 – In the ever-evolving landscape of secure issuance and identity management, HID continues to lead with innovations that safeguard government-issued IDs. Lee Wei Jin, Regional Director of Secure Issuance at HID, recently shared insights with AsiaBizToday in an exclusive conversation into how the company’s newest solution, the FARGO® HDP5000e ID card printer, is setting new standards for security, durability, and efficiency in the issuance of government IDs.
As governments worldwide seek stronger, more adaptable solutions for secure identification, HID has positioned itself at the forefront. With over 25 years of experience in secure issuance, the company’s latest product, the FARGO HDP5000e, represents a culmination of its technological advancements. “The HDP5000e raises the bar by delivering enhanced security and operational efficiency,” says Lee Wei Jin.
The printer is equipped with an AES-256 encryption system, ensuring that sensitive data is protected throughout the entire issuance process, guarding government-issued IDs from unauthorised access. Additionally, its resin scramble feature scrambles printed data, making it indecipherable and preventing the misuse of discarded ribbons. These advanced security measures ensure a tamper-proof issuance process from start to finish.
Lessons from India’s Aadhaar System
Wei Jin acknowledges the significance of Aadhaar, calling it a remarkable achievement in identity management. “India’s Aadhaar project is quite impressive. The government has managed to collect a vast amount of data, which is no small feat. Of course, no system is perfect, and Aadhaar has its challenges. But when compared to other countries’ national ID systems, Aadhaar stands out for its scale and ambition.”
Aadhaar differs from traditional national ID programmes by focusing primarily on data collection and biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition. Wei Jin notes that while many countries start by creating the perfect ID card with physical security elements like photos, holograms, and addresses, Aadhaar placed its emphasis on capturing and securing biometric data from 1.4 billion citizens. “Collecting fingerprints on such a scale is a massive undertaking, and ensuring the accuracy and security of that data is no easy task,” he says.
One challenge Aadhaar faced was in capturing high-quality fingerprints, particularly from individuals in manual labour jobs where fingerprints can become worn or faint. To address this, the system adopted facial recognition as a supplementary authentication method. “This is where the technology needs to evolve to ensure both the capture and security of biometric data remain robust,” adds Wei Jin, reinforcing the importance of flexibility and adaptation in large-scale identity systems.
Combining Physical Security with Digital Innovation
Amidst global concerns around data privacy, HID has focused on integrating top-tier security features into its solutions. “Government ID programmes are constantly evolving, especially when it comes to data privacy. HID remains committed to staying ahead of potential cybersecurity threats with the strongest protocols available,” Wei Jin notes.
Key to this commitment is HID’s strategy of combining physical and digital identity solutions. While digital identities are gaining traction, physical credentials still play a crucial role in government programmes. “Physical IDs underpin digital ones. We’re witnessing a convergence of the two, with cloud-based models providing scalable, flexible solutions,” he explains.
The FARGO HDP5000e exemplifies this approach, offering high-definition printing for physical IDs while seamlessly integrating with digital ID ecosystems. Governments can confidently issue secure, durable credentials, knowing their citizens’ data is well protected on both physical and digital fronts.
Adapting to Needs in Asia Pacific
In the Asia-Pacific region, demand for secure issuance solutions is on the rise, driven by both security concerns and the adoption of digital solutions. Governments are increasingly looking for flexible and scalable systems that can meet these evolving needs. Wei Jin highlights how HID is adapting: “Governments in Asia Pacific are seeking greater flexibility in their issuance processes. HID’s solutions, such as cloud-based issuance models, allow them to issue both physical and digital IDs securely from any location.”
The HDP5000e’s cloud capabilities enable governments to issue credentials remotely. “Whether it’s creating a new ID card, managing print queues, or issuing replacement credentials, our cloud-based issuance models offer a centralised, secure solution that can be accessed from any internet-connected device,” explains Wei Jin. The cloud model is particularly useful for institutions like universities or large-scale enterprises where managing and issuing IDs can be cumbersome.
Key Trends in Secure Issuance
As HID looks to the future, several trends are becoming prominent in the secure issuance market, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. While digital transformation has accelerated across many industries, secure physical identity credentials will continue to play a critical role in verification and authentication processes. “We foresee continued growth in physical identity markets, especially in areas such as government, healthcare, and education,” says Wei Jin.
Digital credentials are also on the rise, with a projected 45.8% CAGR for digital access credentials over the next five years, according to OMDIA. “HID is preparing to stay ahead by offering solutions that support both physical and digital credentials,” Wei Jin notes. This includes enhancing the security features of physical issuance solutions while embracing the scalability of cloud-based digital issuance systems.
In a world where security risks are ever-present, HID’s innovations continue to offer peace of mind to organisations and governments alike. “The need to protect people and assets will always be paramount, and HID is committed to delivering solutions that safeguard both physical and digital identities,” Wei Jin concludes.
With the FARGO HDP5000e, HID is set to redefine secure issuance, providing governments worldwide with the tools needed to protect their citizens’ identities for years to come.