Pair Brings Enhanced Security to Passports and Travel Documents

3M and Graphic Security Systems Corp. (GSSC) today announced technical compatibility between 3M travel document readers and Scrambled Indicia technology from Graphic Security Systems. This proven interoperability brings enhanced image security to ePassports and travel documents, and gives document authenticators additional verification capabilities.

GSSC's VIPhoto software, a Scrambled Indicia technology, is a covert digital security feature that provides enhanced counterfeit resistance by encoding personal data into an ePassport holder's identification photo. Travel and identification documents are afforded greater security because personal information is strongly linked to the photograph. Any photo or data tampering can be easily detected using 3M travel document readers and authentication systems. The technology can be used to protect both the photo on the data page, as well as the photo stored on an ePassport's microchip.

3M ePassport Readers give border control inspectors advanced authentication solutions to easily check the validity of travel documents. 3M readers capture data and images of passports to confirm authenticity of paper, inks, logos, formatting and other security features such as ultraviolet images on the paper. Scrambled Indicia features are decoded from the passport and may be displayed on-screen next to the original image. A decoded image that reveals accurate personal hidden text is authentic. The absence of hidden text indicates counterfeiting, alteration, and photo or data tampering.

"3M's readers offer the distortion-free images needed to work effectively with Graphic Security Systems' technology," said Todd Kealey, marketing development manager, 3M Security Systems Division. "Our interoperability with GSSC places even stronger tools in the hands of authorities fighting identity document fraud."

"We're happy to pair with 3M in the fight against the falsification of identification documents," said Lars Gabel, sales director, Graphic Security Systems. "This technology protects against all forms of document fraud - counterfeiting, alterations, photo substitution and cannibalization. We've been successfully protecting passports, visas, national IDs and driver licenses with this unique technology for more than 25 years."

3M brings more than 30 years of experience, a global presence, technical innovation and a strong customer focus to the secure document marketplace. 3M solutions cover a broad spectrum of enhanced travel and border security, including document issuance and border management.

About GSSC

Graphic Security Systems Corp. has provided its patented security technology to government-authorized security printers and major corporations for more than 25 years. Its graphics-based image solutions protect numerous travel documents, State ID documents and corporate brands around the world. The company is headquartered in Lake Worth, Fla. For more information please visit www.graphicsecurity.com.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, ePassport Readers, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

Other trademarks or names may be the property of their owners.

3M Security Systems DivisionJoan M. Olseen, 651-736-1163orGraphic Security Systems Corp.Lars Gabel, 847-328-9343or3M Public RelationsConnie S. Thompson, 651-733-8914http://www.3m.com/PressContact