Different security features fit different documents. Security features suitable for Passports, may differ for those suited for ID Cards, Driving Licenses, etc. The decision, in which security features to invest, is similar to buying insurance; the more critical the document is, the more expensive insurance you buy, in order to make forgery less likely.

Typical threats to a document include:
 
(i) Counterfeit / imitation
(ii) Forgery
(iii) Alteration
(iv) Photo/signature substitution
(v) Counterfeit from cannibalized documents.

Security Features – Types


Basically Security Features are divided into:
· Physical Security Features – achieved through the choice of materials and process in the manufacture of the document.
· Logical Security Features – achieved through the application of cryptography in controlling and managing the use of the document.

Physical Security Features

There are 3 categories of Physical Security Features:

· 1st level – security features seen by the naked eyes (overt security features) such as: ID Picture, Hologram, Optical variable Ink (OVI), thermo-chromic inks, metallic security threads, personalized shadows and graphic design (Water marks, Deformation Pattern, Guilloche, Intaglio, Rainbow printing, etc.).
· 2nd level - hidden security features authenticated by using simple devices (covert security features): Magnifying glass, UV lamp, 2D Barcode reader, Smart card reader, special simple lenses, other electronic devices and biometric data verification. Typical measures include Micro-text, UV and IR inks, magnetic inks, tagged inks and toners.
· 3rd level - hidden security features authenticated at forensic laboratory level using special equipment.

Physical Security Features are divided also into two groups:
1. Preprinted security features – printed generically on all the documents at the factory level.
2. Personalized security features – applied on the document and bear personalized details of the document holder.

Logical Security Features

These logical security features apply specifically to smart (chip-based) cards (or ePassports), either contact or contactless smart cards which make use of highly-secured encryption features.
There are many security features, so what security should one choose?
This is where we at OTI can come to assist. OTI ID documents have been in circulation for years. Together we would customize optimize the Document security and its cost.