secunet and SSARM modernize Bulgarian border controls
Cybersecurity firm secunet and general contractor SSARM have delivered a solution for Bulgaria's border controls at three airports to meet future EES requirements.
Cybersecurity company secunet Security Networks AG, in cooperation with general contractor SSARM, has implemented a solution to prepare Bulgaria's border controls at three airports for the EU's upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES).
The project covers Sofia, Varna, and Burgas airports, aiming to streamline and accelerate border crossings while enhancing security. The new systems facilitate the automated capture of passengers' biometric data, including facial recognition and fingerprints.
SSARM secured the contract from the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior last year and selected secunet as its technology partner. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the systems were installed on schedule. The implementation includes 20 secunet easygate automated gates for EU travelers, eight secunet easykiosk systems for third-country nationals, and 66 secunet easytower systems with fingerprint scanners for border officials.
The systems also incorporate advanced security features such as Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) to protect against spoofing with forged photos and fingerprints, ensuring system integrity.
Bulgaria is among the first EU member states to have its border controls ready for the EES, which is scheduled to launch in May 2022. This preparation aims to ensure smoother and faster border crossings in the future.