Semiconductor manufacturers have traditionally been hindered by the need to authenticate operator identity across a complex patchwork of access points, workstations, and tools. Using badges, passwords, and other means of authentication has been slow, requiring the use of gloved hands, and could always be utilized independent of the intended operator, an inherent security flaw.
In response, semiconductor manufacturers are increasingly turning to wearable biometric ID products like wrist-worn Nymi Bands to securely speed authentication in a hands-free manner. These innovative, wearable wristbands blend biometrics, security, and privacy, digitally empowering employees with passwordless, contactless workflow across applications, systems, and networks.
Employees simply wear their Nymi Band, authenticate as little as once per day, and work until they want to disconnect, according to the OEM’s solutions brief “Connected Workers in a Passwordless World.” When used to facilitate employee entry to access points, tools, and equipment, wearable biometric identity products are significantly increasing security and productivity.
Now, computing solutions providers are providing scanners that can instantly read biometric wearables such as bands. When used with equipment such as mobile workstations, the combination is enabling seamless identification and authentication of authorized users throughout semiconductor fabs, further enhancing safety and efficiency.
“Using unique biometric ID wearables like Nymi bands is not only more secure than utilizing credentials [such as passwords] that can be compromised, but also enables much faster access to a wide range of tools. When utilized with equipment such as mobile workstations or handheld devices that require authorization to use, the combination unlocks greater productivity,” says Paul Shu of ARISTA Corporation, a leading provider of computing platforms and visualization display products for semiconductor manufacturing environments.
To enhance security, the Nymi Band is authenticated via fingerprint and verified against a mathematical template created at enrollment. Biometric images are never stored, and templates are secured locally in the band. Employees can use their wearable band to efficiently gain hands-free access to terminals, email, applications, doors, and elevators throughout a facility, as required for their official duties. Access can be custom set according to the user’s role, to appropriately protect sensitive information and areas.
Shu notes that biometric wearables pair with short-range wireless Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to expedite identification, authorized access, and communication. This is the case, for example, with ARISTA’s mobile workstations, which are now available with an optional NFC reader that can be used throughout semiconductor fabs with biometric wearables and other forms of identification.
While other mobile workstations must be plugged into the wall to function, ARISTA’s Mobile Operator Workstation can move from place to place while in operation free of wires due to its powerful lithium-ion battery. Wi-Fi capability is built into the workstation to allow for uninterrupted wireless communication in all corners of the cleanroom and fab. In addition, most advanced semiconductor fabs today have Wi-Fi-based system backbones connected to legacy subsystems, meaning the workstation can communicate directly with the fab’s server.
“Biometric ID wearables like Nymi Bands are much more secure than any other NFC device, so are ideal for logging into a wide range of devices at semiconductor fabs. When used with equipment such as mobile workstations, the combination can further promote productivity, allowing the work to occur where needed. The technology provides greater security, convenience, and efficiency, so we expect its use to grow in the industry and beyond,” concludes Shu.
For more information, contact ARISTA Corporation at (510) 226-1800, visit aristaipc.com, or e-mail [email protected].