UPEK Fingerprint Authentication Solution Protects LaCie's Expanded Line of SAFE Hard Drives

EMERYVILLE, CA – September 5, 2006 – UPEK®, Inc., the world's leading brand of fingerprint authentication security solutions, today announced that LaCie is expanding its SAFE Hard Drive line of external hard disk drives (HDDs) protected by UPEK fingerprint authentication technology. The new SAFE Hard Drive features triple-layer security: biometric security that allows only authorized users to access stored data, a drive lock that prevents data from being accessed if the disk is removed from the case, and a chain lock port to prevent theft.

The growing trend of stolen and lost electronic devices and the resulting threat to privacy, most notably the recent theft of a laptop and external HDD containing the social security numbers of 26.5 million U.S. veterans, has raised awareness for the need to protect such data through strong authentication. Almost all PC manufacturers sell notebook PCs with integrated fingerprint readers, with 4 of the top 5 brands incorporating UPEK technology.

The global market for external HDDs, which reached 20 million units in 2005, has grown by over 20% annually over the past few years and is projected to grow at an even faster pace through 2010 according to TrendFOCUS, a data storage market research firm.

"As external HDDs grow in storage capacity and shrink in case size, people are storing more sensitive information on these devices and taking them on the go," noted Mark Geenen, president of TrendFOCUS. "In light of weekly data thefts and losses, it is becoming more and more imperative to protect access to portable data via a means more secure than a username and password."

LaCie's SAFE Hard Drive with UPEK biometric security is intended for business professionals in the fields of finance, HR, SMB and government who store confidential files. It also enables creative professionals to protect copyrighted material, and parents to control access to videos and music.

"Security is a key feature for the SAFE Hard Drive," said LaCie Product Manager Marie Renouard. "UPEK's unique hardware-based security architecture ensures that authentication takes place safely within the SAFE Hard Drive rather than relying on the less secure PC environment."

"We have seen broad adoption of our fingerprint authentication solutions in the notebook PC market based on the need by enterprises and consumers to protect access to data and networks," said Vito Fabbrizio, Director of Mobile Solutions at UPEK. "Naturally there is a similar market need in portable storage devices, and LaCie continues to satisfy this need by pioneering biometrically secured external hard disk drives."

About UPEK, Inc.

UPEK, Inc., a global leader in biometric fingerprint security solutions, offers integrated end-to-end solutions including comprehensive design & integration services to the world's leading consumer and industrial products companies. UPEK solutions enable the strongest fingerprint authentication security available, packaged for high user convenience and rapid integration into existing products and network architectures. The company has been pioneering biometric fingerprint technology since 1996 and shipping product in volume since 1999. UPEK is headquartered in Emeryville, California, with offices in Prague, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo. For more information, please visit www.upek.com.

About LaCie

LaCie creates external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday users easily manage their digital lives. Powerful technology combined with unique designs by the internationally acclaimed Philippe Starck, Neil Poulton, Porsche Design GmbH, Ora-Ïto and Karim Rashid make LaCie the world leader in storage innovation. Established in France in 1989, LaCie is now headquartered in North America, Europe and Asia and listed on the Paris Nouveau Marché (code 5431). For more information, visit www.lacie.com.

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