Know Your Card Printer

Sep 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Robert Anderson

TELL THE TRUTH

Did you really read the entire manual when you bought that new cell phone? Have you played with all of its zillion-and-one fun features? Well, chances are most companies that have bought a card printer in the past few years have not begun to scratch the surface of their printer's capabilities, whether it is a less expensive or a highly sophisticated model. Many of these new printer features add needed layers of security to identification cards, without adding significant time or effort to the printing process. The key for the user is to know what a card printer can do and to not be afraid to try it out. A little effort up front is worth the result — added security for the organization.

Here's a look at some of the simple and advanced card security features made possible by modern card printers:

Holograms

The holographic image lamination process adds security while providing a rich-looking card. Deploying multiple security holograms doubles the difficulty of counterfeiting a card and also extends the life of the card.

Secure UV printing

Printing covert images or text with a special color ribbon that has a ultraviolet (UV) panel is transparent in normal light but shows up fluorescent under UV light. This full-size panel enables users to insert UV-visible features anywhere on the card, from complex graphics to messages such as date of expiration or other permit restrictions.

Multiple screenings of the same photograph

Multiple screenings or ghost imaging of the same photograph increases the integrity of the card. This overt security feature is normal for driver's licenses.

Bar codes

Adding encoded information to a bar code, such as a hidden serial number, or detailed physical characteristics of the cardholder, enhances the security of the card.

Smart card and magnetic stripe encoding

Magnetic stripe encoding and smart card encoding stations, available on more sophisticated units, will soon be available as factory-installed options for even some mid-line printers. With these options, users can encode magnetic stripes and encode and read three types of smart card technology: ISO 7816 contact smart chips (the most common contact smart card standard), MIFARE and iCLASS contactless smart chips. Such encoded cards can even carry an identifier that triggers a biometric template in a biometric-based access control system and other secure identification data.

The fine print

Fine-line Guilloche patterns with hidden micro-text are aimed at foiling counterfeiters. Micro-printing of text and miniature graphic elements are also difficult to duplicate. Micro-text or miniature lettering, which is discernible under magnifying readers, can be incorporated into the fine-line background or can be placed to appear as bold lines. Visa, MasterCard and American Express include microprint as a standard security feature. Today's high-tech printers can also laminate with holographic metallization, including embossed micro-text.

Card serialization

New technology lets printer users keep track of card transactions in the printer's host computer. The log records the applicant's personal data, together with other point-of-issue data. This data set can provide a means for security officers to validate the card by comparing a photo ID card with the centrally located data.

Card serialization adds security. Printers with the magnetic stripe encoder, proximity encoder and smart card contact options can be set up to function only with serial numbered card stock and also to add serial numbers to the data recorded.

Here's how card serialization works

All cards supplied to an organization using this system are pre-printed on the front or back with a serial number, which is also recorded on the card's credential medium, such as magnetic stripe, proximity chip or smart card IC. The ID card printer is configured to accept only serial-numbered cards and will eject, without printing, any card without the appropriate encoding. If a valid serial number is detected, the card is printed in the usual way.

The serial number read from the credential medium is recorded in the printer's host computer, where it is linked with the employee number and other data such as date, time and location. This data set is available for uploading at any time to the organization's central database.

As a result, the security officer can read, on-the-spot, an ID card that is linked in the database to a serial number without any special equipment. When transmitted to the central database, the serial number can, in turn, trigger a download to a local terminal. Now, in addition to the usual comparison of photo and subject, it is easy to check, instantly, the correlation of serial number and credentials.

Pre-printed security features

To take advantage of these security features, a user does not even need to read the printer manual. Card stock is available with pre-printed security features, including ultraviolet-visible text and graphics that are available in two colors — green and blue. With micro-printing, text can be added to a user's specifications, with deliberate random font changes and misspellings if desired. Character height is 5-thousandths of an inch (0.125mm). Pre-printed serial numbers can also be incorporated into card stock. Laser etching is another option. Finally, the inner surface of the card laminate can be pre-printed with UV-visible ink in one, two or three colors.

Built-in security features

New technologies such as RFID (radio frequency identification) add simplicity and security to card printing. New intelligent printing systems incorporate such RFID technology to minimize the need for user intervention. The RFID technology also ensures that only authorized material can be used in the printer. Printers are configured to authenticate ribbon security code before printing, preventing unauthorized use of the printer and print ribbons.

Performance printers set the security standard

A higher-end printer will apply protective customizable holographic laminates to one side of the card or to both sides of the card simultaneously. It can print gray-on-gray text, micro text that prevents copying and secure UV printing. These high-end printers typically have the ability to micro-step the card during the printing process for excellent color registration, superior print quality and the ability to print small text.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Anderson is director of marketing for Zebra Card Printer Solutions, Camarillo, Calif.

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