AuthenTec to Expand Staff by 20 Percent to Meet Growing Demand for Fingerprint Biometrics Sensors; Plans to Hire Technical and Marketing Staff for Melbourne Operation

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 2004--AuthenTec, Inc., the recognized number one semiconductor provider of fingerprint sensors to the global market, plans to expand its staff by 20 percent in the coming months to help meet the growing demand for the company's products. Earlier this month, AuthenTec shipped its 3 millionth sensor - an industry record - reflecting the company's rapid growth.

AuthenTec, which is headquartered in Melbourne, plans to hire 10 new technical and marketing professionals in the next few months to help develop new products and market to prospective customers in the U.S. and internationally. The positions include software product marketing and development, product and biometric testing, analog and mixed signal design, new business development, and channel marketing. The positions require college level and advanced degrees. Further information is available on the company's Web site at www.authentec.com/about/careers.htm.

“Being able to witness first hand the extraordinary success and growth of a local, world-class technology company like AuthenTec is something we celebrate at the EDC”

AuthenTec was founded in 1998 as a spin-off of Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), with a staff of fifteen and a single research prototype. During the past six years, the company has grown to become the leading semiconductor biometrics company in the world, with 55 employees and more than a dozen products that are embedded into a wide range of devices in the PC, wireless, PDA and access control markets.

"Being able to witness first hand the extraordinary success and growth of a local, world-class technology company like AuthenTec is something we celebrate at the EDC," said Lynda L. Weatherman, president & CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast. "This growth, and demand for high quality employees, is what sets AuthenTec apart from their competitors, and is what has helped them reach their aggressive goals. We salute their decision to continue their business expansion in Brevard."

"We are encouraged by our continued strong momentum, the demand for our unique products, and the significant growth opportunity in the industry," said Scott Moody, president and CEO of AuthenTec. "Our success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We look forward to expanding the team during this exciting time in our company's history."

About AuthenTec, Inc.

With three million sensors deployed worldwide, AuthenTec is the recognized number one semiconductor provider of fingerprint sensors to the PC, wireless, PDA, access control and automotive markets. AuthenTec's FingerLoc(R) and EntrePad(R) product families utilize the company's patented TruePrint(R) technology, the first technology to make fingerprint biometrics viable for mass-market adoption. AuthenTec is a two-time AO100 Top Private Global Company, as well as a repeat winner of Frost & Sullivan's Market Leadership Award. The company's network of partners, solution providers and customers include; Analog Devices, APC, Bioscrypt, Computer Associates, Delphi, Fellowes, IBM, LGE, Microsoft, Motion Computing, Precise Biometrics, Samsung, Saflink, SCM Microsystems, Targus and Texas Instruments. Privately funded, investors in AuthenTec include The Carlyle Group, Sierra Ventures, TI, Harris Corporation, the China Development Bank, and others. For more information, visit www.authentec.com. All trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of the respective holders.