Abstract: Apparatus and method of verifying personal identity of an authorized user and providing information necessary to gain access to one or more secure sites in response to such verification. The apparatus is embodied in a hand-held device having an input pad for a biometric parameter such as a finger (thumb) print, an LCD and a small keypad. The device is initialized by placing the authorized user's thumb on the input pad and pressing an enter key to store a template commensurate with the thumb print. Thereafter, the device may be activated only by a match of a print presented to the input pad with the previously stored template. By operation of scroll keys on the device keypad, the user enters names of secure sites to which access is desired. A unique password is generated by a random number generator and assigned to each secure site named. The password is stored both in the device and in the computer of the secure site.

Abstract: A device for use by an authorized person having an unique biometric parameter to obtain information for use in accessing a secured site. The device comprises a biometric interface unit engaged with a portable body member. The device further comprises biometric circuitry adapted to generate and store an initialized biometric template upon presentment of the person's unique biometric parameter to the biometric interface unit. The biometric circuitry is further adapted to generate a second biometric template upon subsequent presentment of the person's unique biometric parameter to the biometric interface unit. The device further comprises compare circuitry adapted to generate an first signal indicative that the second biometric template is substantially identical to the initialized biometric template. The device further comprises a storage device for storing a plurality of passwords.