BIO-key International Inc. (NASDAQ:BKYI) said Monday it secured a contract with Portuguese technology partner Visualforma to strengthen digital identity security for a Portuguese national security agency.

BIO-key shares were trading lower Monday following the announcement.

The companies did not disclose the value of the contract or identify the agency.

The deal expands BIO-key and Visualforma’s existing work with Portugal’s public sector. The companies have previously deployed identity security technology across government organizations and municipalities.

BIO-key Expands Into Security-Sensitive Government Operations

Under the new contract, BIO-key and Visualforma will provide identity and access management and authentication technology designed to protect administrative systems, privileged accounts and critical applications.

The deployment will combine centralized identity management with several authentication methods. The companies said the approach is designed to improve access security while reducing operational complexity.

BIO-key’s technology package includes its PortalGuard identity and access management platform, WEB-key biometric authentication platform and Identity-Bound Biometrics technology.

The deployment also includes PIN:You authentication and EcoID III fingerprint scanners. The scanners are certified under the FBI’s Personal Identity Verification standard for high-security applications.

BIO-key said its Identity-Bound Biometrics technology links digital identities to verified individuals rather than relying solely on passwords, tokens or devices.

“National security agencies operate in environments where identity is the first line of cyber defense,” said Alex Rocha, managing director of BIO-key International.

Rocha said the technology helps ensure access to critical systems is verified, auditable and tied to an individual.

European Government Push

The contract builds on BIO-key’s strategy to expand its presence among government and critical infrastructure customers in Europe through regional technology partners.

Visualforma has more than three decades of experience providing digital transformation, cybersecurity, infrastructure and managed services. Its customers include government organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, health care organizations and businesses.

BIO-key provides identity and access management and biometric authentication technology. The company said its technology protects more than 40 million users worldwide.

Price Action

BKYI Price Action: BIO-key International shares were down 5.71% at $3.80 during premarket trading on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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