AuthenTec
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Semiconductors, Mobile security |
| Predecessor | Harris Semiconductor (division) |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Fate | Acquired by Apple Inc. |
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Florida , United States |
| Products | TruePrint biometric sensor technology, TrueSuite software, TrueProtect embedded security solutions, Touch ID |
| Parent | Apple Inc. (from 2012) |
AuthenTec, Inc. operated as a company specializing in semiconductors and mobile security, headquartered in Melbourne, Florida. Established in 1998 as a division separated from Harris Semiconductor, AuthenTec focused on licensing mobile security software and developing biometric sensor technologies, including fingerprint sensor systems and NFC technologies tailored for mobile devices and computer manufacturers. On July 27, 2012, the company was purchased by Apple Inc. for $356 million.
History
In 1998, AuthenTec emerged as a spin-off from Harris Semiconductor and later launched its initial public offering in June 2007. The period from 2008 to 2010 saw the firm grow through several acquisitions: EzValidation in 2008, Atrua Technologies for $5 million in 2009, SafeNet's Embedded Security Solutions division in 2010, followed by a merger with UPEK that same year.
On August 2, 2011, AuthenTec collaborated with NXP Semiconductors and DeviceFidelity to combine wireless chipsets, sensors, mobile applications, and micro-SD cards aimed at Android device manufacturers and network providers. This partnership facilitated NFC-enabled mobile payment systems and transit check-in functionalities.
The acquisition of AuthenTec by Apple Inc. was finalized on July 27, 2012, at a purchase price of $356 million.
Products and services
- TruePrint biometric sensor technology
- TrueSuite software for identity management
- TrueProtect embedded security solutions (previously SafeNet Embedded Security Solutions)
- Touch ID