Abstract: An end user identity protection suite (IPS) is discussed. In one embodiment, the IPS includes a identity validation system to evaluate a security level of at least one identity tool, the identity tool not related to computer security but rather to the user's identity. In one embodiment, the IPS further includes a security signal logic to generate a security status signal indicating an overall security state of the user, the security status signal comprising a combination of the security levels of each of the plurality of identity tools.

Abstract: An end user identity protection suite (IPS) is discussed. In one embodiment, the IPS includes a identity validation system to evaluate a security level of at least one identity tool, the identity tool not related to computer security but rather to the user's identity. In one embodiment, the IPS further includes a security signal logic to generate a security status signal indicating an overall security state of the user, the security status signal comprising a combination of the security levels of each of the plurality of identity tools.

Abstract: A method comprising an indicator showing an overall security status of a user.

Abstract: A method comprising an indicator showing an overall security status of a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fingerprint recognition is provided. A fingerprint is detected on a sensor. The fingerprint is digitized. A digitized background is subtracted from the fingerprint, resulting in a difference print. The difference print is matched with a database of fingerprint templates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of using a token comprises receiving an indication of a presence of a nearby short-range terminal and waking up the token in response to receiving the indication. The method further comprises performing authentication between the token and the terminal, without requiring a user to directly interact with the token.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for distributing information from a provider to a user over a network. User fingerprint data is obtained from the user and transferred to the provider via the network. The provider injects the user fingerprint data into an information access program and transfers the information access program back to the user via the network. Direct user fingerprint data is then obtained from the user and compared to the injected user fingerprint data. If there is a match, the user is enabled to use the information access program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a cryptographic key using biometric data is provided. A fingerprint is received, and features are extracted from the fingerprint. These features may include one or more of the following: A message is created based on the features of the fingerprint. For one embodiment, the message is a template including the features. For another embodiment, the message is a subset of features not included in a template. For another embodiment, the message is ghost points not corresponding to the features in the template. A message digest function is applied to the message to create a cryptographic key.Another embodiment of the present invention uses features of the fingerprint image to generate a digital certificate. The public key used for the digital certificate is based on a fingerprint image. In one embodiment, the digital certificate contains a template including the fingerprint image or the features extracted from the fingerprint image.