International Biometrics & Identification Association (IBIA) Sets New Course

WASHINGTON, July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The International Biometrics & Identification Association (IBIA) today announced that it has expanded its mission to focus on the overall issue of determining identity. This new mandate, one which will see biometric and other technologies play an increasingly important role, has been deemed critical by the IBIA, given the rise of authentication issues facing data security, identity theft, immigration and homeland security.

Recognizing the vital role identity plays in a globally connected world, the IBIA will bring stakeholders into a single organization to collaborate on key identity management issues such as preventing identify theft, securing data and transactions for financial and healthcare institutions, protecting data in laptops and mobile phones, and protecting national borders and ports.

"Without a doubt, there are many opportunities to ensure technology is used effectively and appropriately in identity management, including the banking, healthcare, telecommunications, and homeland security sectors," said IBIA Board Chairman Walter Hamilton. "The IBIA will play a critical role in addressing these issues by bringing various stakeholders together in a forum for exchanging information and ideas that will not only resolve issues and establish policy, but will become a voice for advocacy and education."

One example of the recent uptick in identity management issues can be found in the 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report, released by Javelin Strategy & Research on February 10 of this year. The report found that the number of identity fraud victims in the United States increased 12 percent to 11.1 million adults in 2009, while the total annual fraud amount increased by 12.5 percent to $54 billion.

"With mature biometric and other technologies, we can most certainly stem the tide of identity fraud and reverse the overwhelming statistics we continue to see," said Tovah LaDier, IBIA's Managing Director. "With the clear global need for identification and authentication of individuals, IBIA's new mission will help consumers, businesses, and governments find solutions that address business needs and enhance security, privacy, productivity and convenience."

Membership is open to all stakeholders, consumers and providers of technologies and solutions for identification and identity verification -- including biometric technology providers, identity infrastructure and solution providers, systems integrators, commercial and consumer end users, technology associations, standards associations, policy, academic and research institutions.

Learn more about the new IBIA (formerly the International Biometric Industry Association) at www.ibia.org .

About the IBIA

The IBIA promotes using technology effectively and appropriately to determine personal identity and enhance the security, privacy, productivity, and convenience for individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide. With biometric technology as its core focus, the IBIA brings key stakeholders together in a forum for discussion, education, advocacy, and public policy.