A new, dual biometric-based airport ID card has taken flight at 29 Canadian airports, boosting security to new heights. The Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) utilizes chip-based smart cards issued to all airport personnel. The cards work in conjunction with biometric readers for fingerprint or iris authentication.

With growing concerns about unauthorized visitors on school grounds, South Carolina’s Spartanburg School District 4 is upping its level of security, beginning with a cutting-edge access control system at Woodruff Primary School. The system, which utilizes proximity card technology, is the first of its kind to be installed in a K-12 school in the state.

Connecting the United States and Canada, and more specifically the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is the International Bridge. The bridge spans the St. Mary’s river and serves as a popular commuter route for many traveling cross-country (literally) on a daily basis. Originally built for only two lanes of traffic, waiting to get on the bridge can be a test of one’s patience. But a recent smart card program, designed with commuters in mind, will allow card holders to pay bridge tolls in automated lanes sure to speed up the process.

Swiping a debit card is as common a practice as shaving, or hypnotically watching King of Queens reruns while you eat dinner on the futon (in other words, it happens just about every day). While your current debit card most likely features a magnetic stripe to store secure information, it might not be long before that smooth-gliding stripe is replaced by a smart chip, at least if you live in Canada.

Zebra has added to its powerful Security Line of ID card printers with the new Zebra P630i. The P630i is a printer/encoder with single-sided lamination and a range of security options and features. Coming at a lower price tag than most high-security printers, the P630i serves as an affordable addition to Zebra’s Security Line of ID badge machines. The Zebra camp is hailing it as the most affordable and environmentally friendly printer in its class.

One of the countless challenges faced by U.S. soldiers in the Iraqi war zone is distinguishing enemy fighters and terrorists from innocent civilians. In Fallujah, A group of U.S. Marines has implemented a high-tech biometric ID badging system as a way to help alleviate this problem.