3M and Graphic Security Systems Announce Compatibility Between Fraud-Prevention Products

3M and Graphic Security Systems Corp. (GSSC) today announcedtechnical compatibility between 3M travel document readers andScrambled Indicia technology from Graphic Security Systems. Thisproven interoperability brings enhanced image security to ePassportsand travel documents, and gives document authenticators additionalverification capabilities.

GSSC's VIPhoto software, a Scrambled Indicia technology, is acovert digital security feature that provides enhanced counterfeitresistance by encoding personal data into an ePassport holder'sidentification photo. Travel and identification documents are affordedgreater security because personal information is strongly linked tothe photograph. Any photo or data tampering can be easily detectedusing 3M travel document readers and authentication systems. Thetechnology can be used to protect both the photo on the data page, aswell as the photo stored on an ePassport's microchip.

3M ePassport Readers give border control inspectors advancedauthentication solutions to easily check the validity of traveldocuments. 3M readers capture data and images of passports to confirmauthenticity of paper, inks, logos, formatting and other securityfeatures such as ultraviolet images on the paper. Scrambled Indiciafeatures are decoded from the passport and may be displayed on-screennext to the original image. A decoded image that reveals accuratepersonal hidden text is authentic. The absence of hidden textindicates counterfeiting, alteration, and photo or data tampering.

"3M's readers offer the distortion-free images needed to workeffectively with Graphic Security Systems' technology," said ToddKealey, marketing development manager, 3M Security Systems Division."Our interoperability with GSSC places even stronger tools in thehands of authorities fighting identity document fraud."

"We're happy to pair with 3M in the fight against thefalsification of identification documents," said Lars Gabel, salesdirector, Graphic Security Systems. "This technology protects againstall forms of document fraud - counterfeiting, alterations, photosubstitution and cannibalization. We've been successfully protectingpassports, visas, national IDs and driver licenses with this uniquetechnology for more than 25 years."

3M brings more than 30 years of experience, a global presence,technical innovation and a strong customer focus to the securedocument marketplace. 3M solutions cover a broad spectrum of enhancedtravel and border security, including document issuance and bordermanagement.

About GSSC

Graphic Security Systems Corp. has provided its patented securitytechnology to government-authorized security printers and majorcorporations for more than 25 years. Its graphics-based imagesolutions protect numerous travel documents, State ID documents andcorporate brands around the world. The company is headquartered inLake Worth, Fla. For more information please visitwww.graphicsecurity.com.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen.Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know theycan rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands includeScotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete,Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countriesaround the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologiesand global strength to lead in major markets including consumer andoffice; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications;safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial andtransportation. For more information, including the latest product andtechnology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, ePassport Readers, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate,Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

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