Exigy Works with De La Rue to Deliver Malta’s New EAC Solution
Working in partnership with De La Rue Identity Systems, Exigy played a key role in delivering Malta's upgraded ePassport system with Extended Access Control (EAC) capability.
Exigy, a Maltese based company specialising in providing strategic software solutions and a member of the M. Demajo Group, announces its key role in the delivery of Malta’s new upgraded ePassport system with Extended Access Control (EAC) capability, working in partnership with De La Rue Identity Systems. This new solution delivers a higher level of security and access control, in accordance with the EU regulation for all Schengen Member States, for the addition of a second biometric - two fingerprints - to the data already stored on the chip. Its delivery is a key milestone in the Government’s ongoing strategic identity management plan. Fully integrated with Malta’s existing National Identity Management System (NIDMS), EAC capability has been launched initially in Malta and Gozo and will be rolled out across all embassy sites by the end of the year. The EAC capability is a technically advanced solution that protects the ePassport’s sensitive second biometric via a process of authentication and by only granting access to authorised passport readers. It is this PKI foundation that allows ePassports to be read solely at immigration control stations, making it even more difficult for criminals who seek access to the data for purposes of counterfeit or fraud. EAC also links the embassies securely with the Identity Management Office (IDMO) utilising Exigy’s ePassport application workflow. Exigy’s front and back office applications enable the IDMO to process passport applications effectively. James Thorburn, Managing Director, De La Rue Identity Systems commented “De La Rue is delighted to have had this opportunity to deliver the latest stage in the Government of Malta’s eGovernment programme. The EAC functionality which we have provided in partnership with Exigy puts Malta amongst the most advanced states in the world for ePassport capability and security.” Francois Grech, Executive Director, Exigy Ltd. said “With an advanced biometric repository, we have enabled a totally secure mechanism for passport issuance, which will continue to build upon the country’s successes within the eGovernment sphere.”