HID pivCLASS Biometric Reader

HID pivCLASS Biometric Reader is a highly specialized and robust access control reader designed by HID Global for environments that demand the highest levels of security and identity assurance. It is not a typical “biometric reader” you might find for basic time attendance or simple fingerprint verification.

Its core purpose is to facilitate compliance with stringent government security standards, particularly FIPS 201 (Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 201) in the United States, which defines Personal Identity Verification (PIV) requirements for federal employees and contractors.

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Key Characteristics and Functionality:

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This reader is built to support strong, multi-factor authentication, going beyond just a card swipe. It can authenticate users using:

   • Something you have (PIV card): It reads high-security smart cards based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), such as PIV, PIV-I, CAC, TWIC, and FRAC cards, as well as HID’s own iCLASS SE, iCLASS SR, and standard iCLASS cards. It supports both contactless (13.56 MHz) and contact smart card interfaces.
   • Something you know (PIN): It typically includes an illuminated keypad for PIN entry. The PIN is used to unlock the cryptographic keys and biometric data stored on the PIV card.
   • Something you are (Biometric – Fingerprint): It integrates an optical fingerprint sensor. This is used to perform a 1:1 match by comparing a live fingerprint scan to the encrypted biometric template stored securely on the PIV card itself. This process ensures the person presenting the card is indeed the legitimate cardholder.

2. High Assurance Levels (FIPS 201 Compliance): The pivCLASS Biometric Reader is specifically designed to meet the requirements for “Controlled,” “Limited,” and “Exclusion” access areas as defined by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) in FIPS 201. This means it offers comprehensive security measures including:

   • Validation of the PIV Authentication Key certificate.
   • Validation of the authenticity of the fingerprint template on the card.¹
   • Comparison of the live fingerprint to the template.
   • Authentication of the PIN.

3. Part of an Integrated Solution: Crucially, the pivCLASS Biometric Reader must be used in conjunction with an HID pivCLASS Authentication Module (PAM). The PAM is a separate, secure hardware component that performs the cryptographic operations, certificate validation, and biometric matching before passing an access decision to the physical access control system (PACS) controller. This architecture enhances security by keeping critical security operations within a secure perimeter.

4. Robust and Secure Construction: Built for demanding environments, often with high IP ratings (e.g., IP55) for environmental protection and tamper resistance.

5. Protocols: It communicates using specialized protocols like HID pivCLASS Protocol or CoreStreet Reader Protocol, rather than standard Wiegand (though it can typically operate in a Wiegand mode for phased deployments).

Applications:

HID pivCLASS Biometric Reader is deployed in scenarios where the utmost security and verifiable identity are paramount:

• Government Facilities: Federal and state government buildings, military bases, and critical infrastructure requiring stringent identity verification for access.
• Highly Secure Data Centers: Protecting access to sensitive servers and network equipment.
• Research Laboratories: Securing access to classified or proprietary research areas.
• Financial Institutions: For high-security zones where multi-factor authentication is mandated.

You would typically procure it through:

• Authorized HID Global Platinum Partners/Master Distributors in Pakistan: Companies like Ahmed Infotech Solutions or HID FARGO Printers.com (which is also a platinum partner) are the primary points of contact. They would likely need to specifically order this reader for you, as it’s a niche product.
• System Integrators specializing in high-security government or enterprise solutions: If there are projects in Pakistan (e.g., for defense, critical national infrastructure, or major data centers) that require FIPS 201-level compliance or similarly stringent identity verification, these integrators would work with HID Global to implement such a solution.

Summary: The HID pivCLASS Biometric Reader is a top-tier security device for environments where verifying “who you are,” “what you have,” and “what you know” is absolutely critical for granting access, making it distinct from standard access control readers.