Review: BIO-key’s Windows Hello-compliant readers

Launched in May, the SideTouch and EcoID are USB fingerprint readers from BIO-key that have been designed to make biometric security an easier deployment for individual users and businessess. Given this aim, their easy integration with the Windows 10 biometric login feature, Windows Hello, can be seen as a key selling point.This integration with Windows Hello, which is the result of a close working relationship that BIO-key has nurtured with Microsoft, also helps created an added sense of security and credibility around the devices.BIO-key has designed the range so it can be useful for various applications and industries, but there are still limitations – which we will cover later.The devices cover the main bases of desktops, workstations, PCs and enrollment stations – the SideTouch is designed for laptops and tablets (straight into a USB connection – no cable) and the EcoID has a good form factor for desktops (USB connection – a generous cable).As BIO-key notes in its marketing info for the readers, both devices integrate with BIO-key Enterprise Software, and can be bought directly from Amazon – this means that it is easy to get up and running with them – and fast.Both also support BIO-key's NIST-tested universal Windows Biometric Framework (WBF) fingerprint engine, and are FIDO compliant. The Amazon sales channel fits with an aggressive pricing and distribution strategy the firm has developed for these devices.The SideTouch:Slotting easily into a laptop's side USB slot, the SideTouch is a solid feeling accessory.Because it uses a touch sensor rather than the swipe motion used by other similar laptop devices, logging in is also easy and quick with the device.Enrollment takes less than a minute, thanks to the integration with Windows Hello.Users just need to setup the account through Hello, link the biometric to a PIN and they are all set.In practice this worked well, once the Windows Hello process, which involves creating a PIN and checking hardward, is mastered.The reader features IDEX's Eagle advanced off-chip sensor technology, which separates the sensor ASIC from the sensing substrate. The manufacturer claims this results in higher image fidelity, better noise immunity and good dry finger usability.The EcoID:The enrollment and authentication process is smooth on the desktop for the EcoID, and, if anything the touch sensor is faster and easier to use than the SideTouch. Because of the broad size of the Active Thermal sensor, which has been developed by Next Biometrics, false negatives are rare.Indeed, the combination of the Active Thermal sensor from NEXT Biometrics and BIO-key's biometric algorithms and software make this a good proposition for firms that need to secure desktops in their workplace.The Bottom Line: Daily usage has been fast and accurate.The SideTouch and EcoID fingerprint readers are great for enabling businesses to deploy biometric security at workplaces in a very short time, and the integration with Windows Hello and Windows 10 helps make setup a snap – if you're on that operating system. The small form factor and superior level of quality in construction makes this a very attractive proposition for SMEs looking to secure their work data and keep better tabs on their workforce logins.However, for usage beyond logging in, the usefulness of the readers in terms of accessing Hello enabled websites and apps is somewhat limited as of yet due to a pending integration update of the W3C Web Authentication specification that is currently being developed by the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Authentication working group. When developed, these API's will enable FIDO 2.0 authentication to work cross platform and everywhere on the web, making online logins with the readers easier and hugely increasing their usefulness.Hence, in the near future, once users are authenticated with Hello, they should be able to instantly access a growing set of websites and services across a range of industries – favorite commerce sites, email and social networking services, financial institutions, business networks and more.Should this app ecosystem flourish in the same way that Apple's and Android's have, it will increase the usefullness of these readers.The PB Verdict: 4.5/5

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