FLORIDA PC SECURITY PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTAuthenTec Takes Biometric Security to the Extreme; Introduces EntrePad 1610 -- the Most Trusted PC Protection In the World's Smallest Fingerprint Sensor; Company's Power of Touch Protects against Many PC Security Threats

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2006--AuthenTec, the world leader in fingerprint sensor security, innovation and sales for more than five years, today introduced the new EntrePad 1610 -- with advanced biometric security that creates the most trusted and secure PC protection, all in the world's smallest fingerprint sensor. The sensor is available today and has already been designed into notebook and tablet PCs set to be introduced in the next few months.

The EntrePad 1610 includes a host of industry firsts and features the industry's most comprehensive security solution to protect PC users from security threats such as identity theft, forgotten and burdensome passwords, fake finger spoofing, and others. In addition, the sensor's unique "always authentication" capability greatly reduces the risk of fraud if a laptop is lost or stolen, and allows users to leave their computers unattended without fear that an unauthorized person might tamper with online or offline files.

"AuthenTec is taking biometric security to the extreme to help PC users easily and securely protect their computers, their files and their identities," said Scott Moody, president and CEO of AuthenTec. "The EntrePad 1610 represents a breakthrough in biometrics - combining AuthenTec's and the industry's most trusted security platforms in the world's smallest fingerprint sensor for PCs."

Highlights of the EntrePad 1610's security firsts include:

-- First sensor architected to leverage the breadth of existing industry security platforms -- including the Trusted Computing Group's (TCG) version 1.2 Trusted Platform Module (TPM) specifications and Microsoft Vista Secure Startup -- and future platforms such as Intel's LaGrande technology. Leveraging these platforms provides the most trusted security and helps ensure that the sensor meets future industry standards.

-- First to offer secure matcher and local fingerprint template storage in sensor flash, not on the hard disk drive -- for strong security with complete, secure upgradeability to protect against future spoofs or other PC threats.

-- First to provide "always authentication," protecting PC users from logon to log off, and every step in between. Allows users to simply and securely log in and authenticate virtually every action on the PC -- from opening applications or files, to sending emails, authorizing purchases, making edits to a web site, and others. Meanwhile, thieves are unable to operate any of these features or functions even if the PC is first authenticated but then left unattended or stolen.

-- First to offer next generation, fully upgradeable anti-spoofing technology. AuthenTec's proprietary TrueFinger anti-spoofing approach is the most advanced solution available -- significantly reducing the risk of fake finger and other threats. Users also can easily upgrade to next generation versions to thwart future threats.

Importantly, the EntrePad 1610 is founded on AuthenTec's best-in-class TruePrint(R) technology, the most accurate and reliable biometric fingerprint sensor solution. Unlike "surface based" solutions that read the top layer of a fingerprint, TruePrint technology reads below the surface -- enabling it to read virtually anyone's fingerprint.

"AuthenTec's role in establishing fingerprint sensor technologies to provide authentication supports TCG's specifications and enables authentication across multiple platforms," said Brian Berger, marketing chari of the Trusted Computing Group. "As the TCG specifications allow more platforms -- such as PCs, servers and mobile devices -- trusted fingerprint devices will play an important role in the user experience."

"Biometric fingerprint security is playing an increasingly important role in the PC market, particularly with notebooks and other portable PC devices," added Sapna Capoor, industry analyst with Frost and Sullivan. "Offering a comprehensive, trusted security solution will provide the critical protection needed to safeguard the PC and the user from a broad range of threats."

Additional EntrePad 1610 features:

-- Convenience - Easiest to enroll and authenticate; fastest swipe speed. Important for the best commercial and consumer user experience.

-- Small Size - The smallest fingerprint sensor on the market; two-thirds the size of other sensors. Critical for devices with small footprints.

-- Navigation - Scroll wheel and full motion navigation. Terrific addition or alternative when a touchpad is not available.

-- Low Power - Requires less power, resulting in less battery drain.

-- Rugged Durability - Small size, combined with ultra hard surface coating result in extremely rugged durability.

-- Low Cost - Total sensor and bill of materials cost below $5.

EntrePad 1610 Technology Specifications:

Size: 12mm x 5mm; 1.2 mm or 1.96mm thickness options

Performance: Fast finger motion capture; Unequaled "ability
to acquire"

Packaging: Scratch and impact resistant; withstands
greater than 10 million rubs

Form Factors: 40 Ball Grid Array

Mobile Temp Operation: 0C through +70C

Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP; Linux v2.4/2.6

With more than seven million sensors in use worldwide, AuthenTec is the recognized number one supplier worldwide - shipping nearly two thirds of all sensors sold in the PC, wireless and access control markets during the past five years. The company's sensors are used in more than 100 different notebook and tablet computers, portable hard drives, mice, keyboards, memory keys, and other PC devices. PC manufacturers using AuthenTec sensors in their products include HP, Fujitsu Computer, Toshiba, LG, Samsung, Cherry, NEC Packard Bell, APC, Motion Computing, Fujitsu Siemens, Medion and many others.

About AuthenTec

With more than seven million sensors in use worldwide, AuthenTec is the world leader in fingerprint sensor security, innovation and sales to the PC, wireless, and access control markets. AuthenTec's award-winning FingerLoc(R) and EntrePad(R) sensors take full advantage of The Power of Touch(TM) by utilizing the company's patented TruePrint(R) technology to deliver the most convenient, reliable and cost-effective means available for enabling touch-powered features that extend beyond user authentication. The company's network of partners, solution providers and customers include: Analog Devices, APC, Compal, Cherry, Fujitsu Computer, Computer Associates, HP, IBM, LGE, Microsoft, Motion Computing, NEC Packard Bell, Pantech, Quanta, Samsung, Tatung, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, and Wistron, among others. Visit www.authentec.com.

Editors Note: Photographs of the EntrePad 1610 are available upon request