3M Cogent Biometric Access Control Readers Approved to Authenticate Transportation Worker Identification Credentials

3M Cogent’s biometric access control readers have successfully completed the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Initial Capability Evaluation (ICE) assessment. 3M Cogent’s MiY-ID and MiY-Card biometric readers are now listed on the TWIC ICE Fixed Reader list. Both devices support the TWIC Privacy Key (TPK) enciphered on-card reference biometrics during registration and in operation.

TSA developed the TWIC program in response to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). MTSA requires individuals who access secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels to obtain a TWIC card – a secure credential containing personalized biometric information. The MiY-ID and MiY-Card readers can validate and authenticate the TWIC cards and verify the identity of the person using the card at access control points, helping to ensure only those who are intended to have privileged access are able to enter secure maritime facilities.

“Passing the TSA TWIC assessment is a significant milestone for our MiY biometric access control readers,” said Christopher Crump, director, 3M Cogent Commercial Business. “We designed the readers to meet the standards of the TWIC ICE assessment, knowing that all readers purchased with Port Security Grant Program funds must pass TWIC ICE evaluation requirements.”