FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

How does AuthX increase the security of a passport?
AuthX creates a unique template of the photo on a passport, combines it with key passport text, encrypts it, and stores the resulting digital signature in a bar code, which is affixed to the passport. At verification, the current photo and text are compared to the originals, which are extracted from the encrypted bar code.

What makes AuthX security unique?
The AuthX process makes the passport useless if altered. Either photo or text alteration will be automatically detected by AuthX.

How is AuthX self-authenticating?
All of the information needed to verify the validity of the passport is present in the tag. No database connection is required.

Is AuthX compatible with systems that use a central database?
AuthX works very well with database systems. The photo template is less than 64 bytes, and can be stored in a database if desired.

How does AuthX Visa security work?
The consulate which issues the visa scans the passport and generates the bar code, which becomes part of the visa. It becomes impossible to transfer a visa from one passport to another without detection by AuthX.

How long does it take to apply AuthX?
The process can take less than one minute, including scanning of the passport and printing of the bar code. It is quickly and easily done at a border checkpoint.

What about encryption?
AuthX encrypts the information stored in the bar code to prevent unauthorized creation of the digital signature. Encryption is controlled by a Private Key, which is kept secure by the issuing authority.

Can anyone read the encrypted data?
Yes. Each Private Key is associated with a single read-only Writing Key, which is distributed to all AuthX users. Use of the Private Key encryption ensures that the bar code was created by proper authority.

Does that mean that a passport or visa secured by AuthX in one country can be verified in other countries?
Yes. AuthX distributes all keys to all authorized users of AuthX systems. Any bar code created by any valid authority can be read and authenticated by any other valid user, anywhere in the world.

Does AuthX require special equipment to make or verify documents?
AuthX Registration software runs on standard PCs, requires a scanner, and a bar code printer to apply security to the documents.

Can the AuthX label be removed from one passport and used on another one?
No. The label is only valid in relation to the passport and visa used in its creation. If it were removed and applied to another passport, it will fail at verification.