Covert Security Features

Covert security elements provide another authentication method

For additional authentication, G&D offers innovative, hidden security elements. These are integrated into inks, threads, and foils and thereby extend the functionality of these elements to further verification levels. Some elements have been specially developed for checking using small handheld devices at bank counters and points of sale. Other elements are suitable for checking by machines in commercial and central banks.

FIRST

FIRST uses a laser to create hidden codes on the printed banknote. These are invisible to the human eye and can only be read under an infrared light.

Machine-readable magnetism

G&D offers innovative magnetic coding systems for security threads, from simple yes/no recognition through to complex coding (MultiCode). The appropriate reading systems have been developed for checking using a sensor. G&D’s magnetic elements cover the entire range of potential applications from customer-specific thread coding to automatic authentication.

Machine-readable electrical conductivity

Electrical conductivity along the entire length of a security thread is a simple machine-readable element that can be integrated in most types of thread.

Machine-readable infrared characteristics

The infrared characteristics of banknotes (IR-absorbing and IR-transparent inks) can be checked by sensors in machines at commercial and central banks.

UV fluorescence – authentication using a UV lamp

Different colors, color combinations, or rainbow effects become visible when viewed under UV light.

Phosphorescence

Phosphorescent inks on banknotes can be checked by sensors in processing machines.

Pole – authentication using a polarization filter

Pole is an innovative and attractive security element that is suitable as a replacement for and/or addition to the frequently used UV fluorescence. In 2008, the Pole security element received an award for “Best New Currency Feature” from the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA).