WISeKey's WISePrint Secures Ink Cartridges Against Counterfeiting with its VaultIC Cryptographic Module

WISePrint offers printer makers an outstanding integrated IoT solution to deter counterfeiting of ink and toner cartridges.

Geneva, Switzerland - September 22, 2017: WISeKey International Holding Ltd (WIHN.SW) ("WISeKey"), a Swiss based cybersecurity and IoT company, today announced that it is introducing its new WISePrint solution, the first fully integrated platform for printing cartridges protection and anti-counterfeiting. WISeKey's WISePrint has been developed for the printer makers to help them secure their revenue and protect their consumers.  The WISePrint technology takes full advantage of WISeKey's recognized know-how and experience gained over the years working with reputable companies in this industry including a leader in 3-D printing that recently embraced our solution.

Counterfeit ink and toner cartridges usually lead to bad user experience, potential health issues and damaged printers. They also have a terrible impact on the environment. This is in addition to a huge loss of revenue for the printer makers, which as estimated will be over US$3 billion annually or approximately 10% of the total global printer supplies market which is expected to reach US$33 billion by 2020 (Technavio, June 2016). While the counterfeiters' techniques are getting smarter, the genuine cartridges makers have to enhance their protection with more security and more reliability.

WISeKey's WISePrint is a complete and dedicated solution to reduce the risk of fraud and help printer manufacturers to protect their genuine cartridges. It includes a cryptographic hardware secure element (WISeKey's VaultIC), placed on the container, and a turnkey high security Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) solution used in e-passport applications. WISePrint also comes with options and features built to provide easy deployment of any device/printer from the plant to the field.

Depending upon the integration into the printer, the VaultIC features a Near Field Communication (NFC) contactless interface or an industry standard wired connection to the printer main processor. The keys are securely stored in this tamper resistant module while the global WISeKey's Certificate Management System ensures the authentication of the cartridges. WISePrint also offers smart refill management and high-speed patented multi-cartridges authentication.

 "We are excited to be introducing WISePrint at the right time while printer makers are looking for more efficient solutions to protect their assets," said Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey. "This solution inherits a strong track record of WISeKey as a proven provider of managed PKI services and the Company's award winning WISeAuthentic platform for digital brand protection. For an efficient deployment of the WISePrint solution, WISeKey also offers extensive services such as provisioning, setup in premises and consultancy."

"WISePrint offers a significant technology breakthrough compared to other anti-counterfeiting solutions on the market," said Olivier Debelleix, Director of Brand Protection & Wearable Security Business Unit for WISeKey. "The alliance of a robust hardware security expertise demonstrated by WISeKey in many government and banking success stories, and the Company's managed PKI platform that permits a real time tracking of the fraud, makes WISePrint 'The Solution' to protect printer makers' from counterfeiting."