MICHIGAN CLINTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES ADDING BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINT SECURITY TO TOWNSHIP COMPUTERSClinton Twp. considers new system for computer security - 07/18/05Clinton Twp. considers new system for computer security

Officials may adopt state-of-the-art fingerprint technology, to be funded by Homeland Security.

By Edward L. Cardenas / The Detroit News

CLINTON TOWNSHIP -- The Clinton Township Board of Trustees tonight will consider a state-of-the-art fingerprint access system for township computers, the first such system to be used in Macomb County.

The proposed system uses fingerprint technology rather than passwords and would be funded through federal Homeland Security money.

"We have really tried to get into the 21st century," said Brian Moynihan, director of Clinton Township's department of information technology.

"Once you make it available, you have to make it secure."

Clinton Township officials initially instituted a standard password policy in March for employees who use the computers. While the password system provided some security, there was room for lapses if employees wrote down passwords or shared them, officials say.

To provide an even higher level of security, the township began to investigate using fingerprint technology to log into the community's computer system. Similar systems are used by U. S. Department of Defense, the California Police Department and the city of Glendale, California.

No other Macomb County communities use this technology, Moynihan said.

Some township employees have had the chance to try out the new system and at least one, Planning Director Carlo Santia, said he welcomes the high-tech system for its ability to simplify working life.

"The (old) passwords are a combination of seven numbers and letters," Santia said. "This will just make it so much easier. It provides a unique password or entry into the system that can't be duplicated by someone else."

The Board of Trustees will consider seeking bids on a system during its board meeting at 6:30 p.m. today in the Civic Center, 40700 Romeo Plank.

Moynihan said the system could be used in up to 300 desktop computers in the township hall, police and fire departments.

The cost would be about $55,000 for hardware, software, licensing and maintenance .

"Information security is our paramount concern," Moynihan said.

The township's information technology department has used the system successfully for nearly three months. It involves a small 2- by 3-inch sensor attached to the computer that takes a quick snapshot of the finger print, which serves as a sort of "key" to access to the computer.

"It is infinitely more secure than a password," added Moynihan.


You can reach Edward L. Cardenas at (586) 468-0529 or ecardenas@detnews.com.