Stolen Passwords and Lost Laptops Among Top PC Concerns; 78 Percent Prefer Fingerprint Biometrics Over Passwords to Protect Computers, AuthenTec Survey Reveals; Company Becomes Official Sponsor of National Computer Security Day

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 2005--Stolen passwords and lost laptops are among the top concerns among PC users, and a vast majority -- 78 percent -- believe fingerprint biometrics will make their devices more secure, according to a survey released by AuthenTec today in recognition of National Computer Security Day on November 30. The company also announced it has become an official sponsor of the annual event to promote computer security awareness.

The online survey sponsored by AuthenTec, the world leader in fingerprint sensor security, innovation and sales, shows that although many PC users feel that today's computers are more secure than they were five years ago, most think there are still significant risks to their devices and the important information they contain.

“The survey results show that many computer users continue to use password techniques that put their systems at risk at work and at home.”

A summary of the survey findings shows:

-- Stolen passwords, lost notebooks, hackers and viruses are the biggest risks cited

-- 78 percent use passwords as one of their primary forms of PC security

-- 52 percent use the same password for their accounts, contrary to industry recommendations

-- 66 percent only use memorization to store passwords; yet 77 percent struggle to remember their passwords

Another key finding was that 78 percent of the respondents believe using a biometric fingerprint sensor is more secure than using passwords. Furthermore, 72 percent would opt for a biometric feature when purchasing a PC - a 9 percent increase over AuthenTec's 2004 survey findings, in which 63 percent of respondents indicated interest in purchasing biometrics.

The survey, conducted in November through online service Zoomerang, sampled 300 computer users between the ages of 25-55. The survey has a margin of error of 5.9 percent.

"We conducted the survey and became a National Computer Security Day sponsor as part of our commitment to raise awareness about the importance of computer security and the steps users can take to protect themselves against unauthorized access, identity and computer theft," said Tom Aebli, director of PC segment marketing for AuthenTec. "The survey results show that many computer users continue to use password techniques that put their systems at risk at work and at home."

AuthenTec promotes computer security through its participation in a variety of activities and organizations. For example, the company sponsors user surveys, hosts education events, and participates in related web casts, among other activities. Along with National Computer Security Day, AuthenTec also is active with the Trusted Computing Group, International Biometrics Industry Association, Consumer Electronics Association, and other organizations focused on computer security issues.

AuthenTec sensors are widely used in notebook and tablet PCs to provide advanced security and to replace the need for passwords - allowing authorized users to easily and quickly access their files by simply touching or sliding their finger across the sensor surface, while restricting access to the computer and its files to only those enrolled. This reduces the risk of theft or fraud. AuthenTec sensors also make PCs easier to use by enabling users to quickly open applications, switch desktop applications, or scroll through menus at the simple swipe of their finger.

With more than six million sensors in use worldwide, AuthenTec ships more fingerprint sensors to the global PC, wireless and access control markets than any other provider. AuthenTec's sensors have been designed into more than 100 PCs and PC peripheral products used by consumers and in the workplace. As well, AuthenTec is the only company to have its fingerprint sensors actively in use in millions of cell phones worldwide.

About National Computer Security Day

Computer Security Day was started in 1988 to help raise awareness of computer related security issues. The goal is to remind people to protect their computers and information. This annual event is held around the world on November 30th. In addition to AuthenTec, sponsors include the Association for Computing Machinery; Information Systems Audit and Control Association; Security Awareness Incorporated; and Symantec Corporation. The Computer Security Day web site is www.computersecurityday.org.

About AuthenTec

With more than six million sensors in use worldwide, AuthenTec is the world leader in fingerprint sensor innovation and sales to the PC, wireless, and access control markets. AuthenTec's award-winning FingerLoc(R) and EntrePad(R) sensors take full advantage of The Power of Touch(TM) by utilizing the company's patented TruePrint(R) technology to deliver the most convenient, reliable and cost-effective means available for enabling touch-powered features that extend beyond user authentication. The company's network of partners, solution providers and customers include: Analog Devices, APC, Compal, Cherry, Fujitsu Computer, Computer Associates, HP, IBM, LGE, Tatung, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, and Wistron, among others. Visit www.authentec.com.

Editors Note: Complete survey results and photographs of biometric PCs and fingerprint sensors are available upon request.