Stories about: IRIS

Law enforcement agencies will have access to advanced biometrics and nationwide databases containing information on DNA and "persons-of-interest" as part of a plan to tighten department collaboration investigations by July 2008.

The biometric data of each person entering Australia could be permanently stored in a central repository for identity verification and cross-checking between federal government departments, national and international anti-identity fraud efforts, and border control systems.

The British government could soon roll ahead with plans to issue national ID cards after both houses of Parliament reached a compromise Wednesday night on a bill detailing the plan.

In August 2004, US President George Bush issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), which requires federal agencies to set up one identification system for all staff and contractors who have access to sensitive facilities or information. The move to stiffen access control for several million people who work for the U.S. government and its contractors -- part of post-9/11 efforts to beef up security at federal installations -- has set off a scramble by 2 dozen agencies seeking to comply by October's deadline.

A saintly solution to passwords would be welcome

"Take security issues into your own hands," the experts told me. Now all I've got are sore hands . . .

"Take security issues into your own hands," the experts told me. Now all I've got are sore hands . . .

Australia's immigration authorities, either unable or unwilling to provide details on the origins of 10,000 migrants issued temporary work visas based on their ICT skills, have conveniently blamed their database for the problem.