BIO-key International Inc. will donate to the American Red Cross a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its compact fingerprint scanners, over the balance of 2020. The donations will be designated to support the American Red Cross’ COVID-19 response efforts.

A fingerprint scanner uses a light-sensitive microchip, such as a CMOS image sensor, to produce a digital image. A computer analyzes the image automatically and then uses pattern-matching software to turn it into a code.

Biometrics use a physiological or behavioral characteristic (such as a fingerprint) to recognize an individual automatically. Only specific characteristics that are unique to the individual are filtered and saved as an encrypted biometric key or mathematical representation. Compact fingerprint scanners can be used to monitor remote workforces accurately and securely. With many workers practicing social distancing by working from home during the COVID-19 crisis, biometric fingerprint authentication solutions can be an effective way to manage timekeeping, workflow, and cybersecurity.

“We are living in a different world today,” Mike DePasquale, BIO-key chairman and CEO, said. “We want to make sure organizations understand how our solutions can help [our customers] during this critical period, and at the same time, we wanted to take action to support those whose lives are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”