MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 2001--

Samsung Spin-Off's New Biometrically Enabled Remote Control Device Features TruePrint Technology and Bluetooth Portability to Revolutionize Wireless Security

In what is seen as a revolutionary development in keyless entry access and the elimination of passwords, AuthenTec Inc., the industry leader in fingerprint authentication integrated circuits, announced today that it was selected by IFKey Co., Ltd., to provide its TruePrint(TM) based products for use in the world's first biometric intelligent fingerprint key remote control device. This new development in wireless security will enable its users to benefit from single-key access in their home and work environments.

IFKey, a spin-off of Samsung SDS, developed the IFKey fingerprint key to provide convenient, safe and secure protection for users to access their doors, cars and computers; to provide easy and safe e-commerce shopping transactions using finger authentication for your cell phone, PDA and PC; and to provide wireless remote convenience to control security systems, alarms and remote controlled environments.

Integrated into the device is the EntrePad AES4000 sensor, a TruePrint Technology based product. TruePrint is the patented technology that reads beyond the surface layer of the skin to the live layer, where the true fingerprint resides. Unlike surface based optical, thermal and DC capacitive technologies, TruePrint is not affected by common skin surface conditions such as dry, worn, callused, oily, or dirty skin which can affect the sensor's ability to acquire accurate fingerprint images. TruePrint is the first fingerprint identification technology capable of being used by everyone, under virtually any condition. TruePrint's ability to acquire everyone makes it the most accurate and convenient fingerprint authentication technology on the market today.

"Our relationship with IFKey creates an exciting new opportunity for us to implement our AES4000 in a wireless remote security application. We're making history, since no one has ever developed a remote control device that can, with the touch of a finger, control access to your car, your front door, your PC and your office - all in one simple, yet highly secure single unit," says Steve Mansfield, Vice President of Marketing for AuthenTec.

IFKey's Hong-Sik Koo, the company's CEO, says that AuthenTec's TruePrint based technology was the driving force behind their decision to partner with AuthenTec. "Our partnership with AuthenTec allows us to include TruePrint based products, the best fingerprint technology available today. Our fingerprint authentication remote devices must work for everyone, under all conditions. We want to be assured that we will have the most superior level of authentication available to our users by using the AES4000."

The IFKey unit features a detachable remote transmitter that uses Bluetooth for secure portability and bi-directional communication. The remote transmitter, which contains the AES4000 sensor, is kept by the user and the receiver can be installed indoors or outdoors. One transmitter can control many receivers. Seventeen patents are pending for the IFKey system.

About IFKey

IFKey Co., Ltd., headquartered in Seoul, Korea, is a biometrics security provider specializing in wireless fingerprint authentication technology. In November 2000, IFKey originated as an in-house start-up (Mega Venture) of Samsung Data System (SDS), Korea's largest systems integration company. In June 2001, after eight months as an in-house incubator with an investment of over one-half million dollars by Samsung, IFKey completed the development of its prototype product and held a successful product launch. IFKey became an independent entity on June 21, 2001 and obtained certification as a venture company from Korea's Small & Medium Business Administration.

IFKey develops, manufactures and sells advanced biometric security and network utility solutions through its Portable Wireless Fingerprint Authentication Key System. The wireless system transmits and matches the user's fingerprint for safe and secure single- key access. IFKey's device is designed to provide a feeling of satisfaction and optimal security to customers by employing the latest technologies such as separate/merge fingerprint data authentication to protect customers' privacy; real time encrypted communication through bluetooth; access control and emergency access and authorization. In addition, one can activate and control various devices with the remote control system such as access to doors, starting up automobiles, accessing offices, controlling access to documents and making financial transfers--all with a single key. Most importantly, IFKey provides customer satisfaction by delivering its unique patented technology that moves biometrics from the Hollywood movies into one's own hand.

About AuthenTec

AuthenTec, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company providing leading edge fingerprint sensor products to the biometric and security industries with products integrated into personal computers, wireless communications, access control, personal electronic devices and home security. AuthenTec's product families include FingerLoc(TM) for security applications such as access control or time/attendance, and EntrePad(TM), a convenient and secure way to access PCs and portable products such as PDA's and cell phones. All of AuthenTec's products are based on the company's patented TruePrint(TM) technology. Uniquely, TruePrint reads below the surface layer of the skin to the live layer where the true fingerprint begins. It is the first fingerprint identification technology that is capable of being used by everyone under virtually any condition. AuthenTec's products provide a natural and convenient way for people to enjoy secure e-commerce and Web access; for businesses to manage networks and control access; and for individuals to secure access to their personal data, homes, and even automobiles. In addition, AuthenTec's Solution Provider Network (SPN) aligns participating members together to provide complete biometric fingerprint identification solutions by integrating the FingerLoc and EntrePad sensors into mice, keyboards, wireless and access control devices.

For more information, visit http://www.authentec.com or call 321/308-1300.

EntrePad, TruePrint, and FingerLoc are trademarks of AuthenTec, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks referenced herein are properties of their respective owners.