Carrefour Strengthens Enterprise Cybersecurity in Spain with BIO-key’s AuthControl Sentry® Cloud Solution in Partnership with Evolutio

Rhea-AI Summary

BIO-key International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKYI) announced a strategic collaboration with Carrefour, a leading global retailer, to integrate BIO-key’s AuthControl Sentry® cloud solution in Spain in collaboration with Evolutio. The solution will safeguard the authentication process for Carrefour’s 6,500 Spanish employees, reinforcing the company’s commitment to operational excellence and data security.

Cybersecurity Analyst

The integration of BIO-key's AuthControl Sentry cloud solution by Carrefour in Spain represents a significant enhancement in the company's cybersecurity infrastructure. From a cybersecurity perspective, the adoption of Identity-Bound Biometric (IBB) authentication solutions is a forward-thinking move, considering the escalating threats in the digital landscape. IBB solutions offer a unique layer of security by binding a user's identity to biometric credentials, making unauthorized access significantly more challenging.

For stakeholders, this move signals Carrefour's proactive stance on protecting sensitive data and systems, which is crucial for maintaining customer trust and avoiding potential financial losses from data breaches. It's also indicative of a broader industry trend where large-scale organizations are increasingly investing in advanced security measures to counteract sophisticated cyber threats. The long-term benefits include potentially lower insurance premiums, reduced risk of regulatory fines and enhanced corporate reputation.

Retail Industry Analyst

Carrefour's strategic decision to enhance its authentication processes with BIO-key’s technology can be seen as an investment in operational efficiency and customer trust. In the retail sector, safeguarding data is not only about compliance but also about competitive advantage. By prioritizing data security, Carrefour may see improved customer loyalty and a stronger brand image, which can translate to better financial performance.

The retail industry is increasingly competitive and technology adoption can be a differentiator. Carrefour's move could prompt other retailers to follow suit, potentially setting a new standard for cybersecurity in the industry. The impact on Carrefour's stock could be positive if investors view this as an indicator of the company's commitment to innovation and risk management.

Financial Analyst

From a financial analysis standpoint, the partnership between BIO-key and Carrefour, facilitated by Evolutio, could have implications for BIO-key's revenue growth and market positioning. As a NASDAQ-listed company, BIO-key's stock performance is partly dependent on its ability to secure such high-profile contracts. The announcement could lead to positive investor sentiment towards BIO-key, given the visibility and potential for similar deals in the future.

For Carrefour, the investment in advanced cybersecurity solutions like BIO-key's AuthControl Sentry may result in increased operational costs in the short term. However, it is important to consider the return on investment through potential cost savings from avoiding data breaches and the associated costs of recovery and regulatory penalties. Investors in Carrefour will likely weigh these factors when assessing the company's financial health and strategic direction.

HOLMDEL, N.J. and MADRID, Spain, Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BIO-key^® International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKYI), an innovative provider of workforce and customer Identity and Access Management (IAM) featuring passwordless, phoneless and token-less Identity-Bound Biometric (IBB) authentication solutions, announced today that Carrefour, a leading global retailer, is integrating BIO-key’s AuthControl Sentry^® cloud solution in Spain in collaboration with Evolutio, a trusted partner of BIO-key’s Swivel Secure Europe subsidiary. The strategic collaboration is part of Carrefour’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and data security.

AuthControl Sentry is now a key component in safeguarding the authentication process for Carrefour’s 6,500 Spanish employees. The solution protects access to critical services and reinforces the company’s dedication to the highest standards of data security and privacy.

Alex Rocha, Managing Director of BIO-key Europe, commented, “We are honored to have leading global retailer Carrefour implement our AuthControl Cloud Sentry solution in Spain. This collaboration, facilitated by our partner Evolutio, showcases the security, versatility and reliability of our products in meeting the complex cybersecurity needs of large-scale organizations. BIO-key Europe is committed to delivering top-tier security solutions that empower businesses like Carrefour to operate with confidence and resilience in an increasingly digital world. Our AuthControl solution not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures the utmost security for our customers, their employees and critical data.”

About BIO-key International, Inc. (www.BIO-key.com)
BIO-key is revolutionizing authentication and cybersecurity with biometric-centric, multi-factor identity and access management (IAM) software securing access for over thirty-five million users. BIO-key allows customers to choose the right authentication factors for diverse use cases, including phoneless, tokenless, and passwordless biometric options. Its hosted or on-premise PortalGuard IAM solution provides cost-effective, easy-to-deploy, convenient, and secure access to computers, information, applications, and high-value transactions.

About Evolutio (www.evolutio.com/)
Evolutio is the trusted technological partner that any company needs. Evolutio consultants are experts in the integration of cloud services for multinational and domestic companies in the Spanish market. Its objective is to boost the agility, flexibility and capacity for innovation of clients, helping them to achieve the maximum possible value from their business and accompanying them in their digitization process. Headquartered in Madrid, Evolutio has a track record of over 30 years of experience in the IT sector.

BIO-key Safe Harbor Statement
All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). The words "estimate," "project," "intends," "expects," "anticipates," "believes" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to the "safe-harbor" provisions of the Act. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those included within or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, our history of losses and limited revenue; our ability to raise additional capital to satisfy working capital needs; our ability to continue as a going concern; our ability to regain compliance with the Nasdaq continued listing standards, market conditions and the impact of the reverse stock split on the trading price of our common stock; our ability to protect our intellectual property; changes in business conditions; changes in our sales strategy and product development plans; changes in the marketplace; continued services of our executive management team; security breaches; competition in the biometric technology industry; market acceptance of biometric products generally and our products under development; our ability to convert sales opportunities to customer contracts; our ability to expand into Asia, Africa and other foreign markets; our ability to integrate the operations and personnel of Swivel Secure into our business; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; delays in the development of products and statements of assumption underlying any of the foregoing as well as other factors set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to disclose any revision to these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Engage with BIO-key

Facebook – Corporate:	https://www.facebook.com/BIOkeyInternational
LinkedIn – Corporate:	https://www.linkedin.com/company/bio-key-international
Twitter – Corporate:	@BIOkeyIntl
Twitter – Investors:	@BIO_keyIR
StockTwits:	BIO_keyIR

Investor Contacts
William Jones, David Collins
Catalyst IR
BKYI@catalyst-ir.com or 212-924-9800

What is the strategic collaboration announced by BIO-key International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKYI) and Carrefour?

BIO-key International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKYI) announced a strategic collaboration with Carrefour to integrate BIO-key’s AuthControl Sentry® cloud solution in Spain in collaboration with Evolutio.

How many employees will be safeguarded by the AuthControl Sentry solution at Carrefour in Spain?

The AuthControl Sentry solution will safeguard the authentication process for Carrefour’s 6,500 Spanish employees.

Who is the partner of BIO-key’s Swivel Secure Europe subsidiary involved in the collaboration with Carrefour in Spain?

Evolutio is a trusted partner of BIO-key’s Swivel Secure Europe subsidiary and is collaborating with Carrefour in Spain.

What are the benefits of the AuthControl solution for Carrefour?

The AuthControl solution not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures the utmost security for Carrefour’s employees and critical data.