GB2486553A

GB2486553A - Security means to protect confidential information

Info

Publication number: GB2486553A
Application number: GB201121397A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Dennis Jackson; Daniel John Narvey
Original assignee: ADARE Ltd
Current assignee: ADARE Ltd
Priority date: 2010-12-13
Filing date: 2011-12-13
Publication date: 2012-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-13
Also published as: GB2486553B; GB201121397D0; GB201021061D0

Abstract

A security means, which can be used to protect confidential information, comprises a first security means 4 in the form of a label on one side of a sheet of paper 2. On the reverse side is a second security means 14 in the form of security hatching printed on the paper 2. The confidential information 18 is typically printed information such as bank card PIN (personal identification number). The application also includes a method of printing a document including confidential information whilst located inside a housing.

Description

Security Apparatus and Method of Protecting Confidential Inform tion The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for protecting confidential information and in particular confidential information provided in letters or mailers' sent to customers and potential customers.

Although the following description refers to apparatus and methods for supplying customers with letters containing Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the apparatus and method of the present invention can be applied to other confidential information and is not limited to PINs, letters or mailers.

The use of security panels or layers to obscure sensitive information in letters, for example, mailers including bank/credit card PINs is known. Conventionally there are two main methods of providing customers with PINs. The first is the impact printing method and the second is the laser printing method.

The impact printing method involves providing a transfer layer and an indication layer located between two outer sheets of paper. The outer sheets of paper are secured together to form an envelope. The outer sheets are usually secured with one or more frangible strips \vhich have to be removed to access and read the PIN printed on the indication layer. The frangible strips indicate if the envelope has been tampered with or opened by unauthorised persons. In order to print the PIN number on the indication layer an inkless impact printer is used to strike an outer sheet of the envelope. This compresses the transfer layer and indication layer together and thereby transfers the PIN to the indication layer. The transfer and indication layers are usually provided on the inside face of one of the outer sheets of the envelope. More recently inks have been developed which are transparent until compressed by the impact printer. Thus the need for a transfer layer has been removed.

The impact printing method has the advantage that there is no visible printing with ink and thus third parties cannot read the PIN whilst it is being printed. However, one drawback is that the impression made by the impact of the printer can leave marks on the outside of the envelope showing the PIN.

The laser printing method involves using a laser printer to print the PIN onto a section of a letter or mailer. The section is usually a plastic section which is at least partially transparent and usually includes a tamper indication, such as a number of printed dots or words. In order that the PIN cannot be read by unauthorised persons the section contains at least one security layer, usually a peel off tab which can be removed or a layer that can be scratched off, or a combination of both. The tamper indication is usually printed such that any attempt to reattach the peel off tab and/or scratch off layer is immediately evident.

One problem with the laser printing method is that the PIN is very hard to read by authorised persons when the security layers are removed as intended. Also, using this method, third parties have an opportunity to read the PIN whilst it is being printed.

A further problem is that solvents can be used to remove the security layer to access the PTN.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an security means which addresses the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of producing a security means which addresses the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide an improved letter or mailer which includes a security means.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a method of providing an improved letter or mailer incorporating a security means.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a leaf means including confidential information on at least one side thereof, said leaf means including a first security means located on one side of the leaf and at least a second security means located on the reverse side of the leaf wherein the confidential information is substantially overlaid by the first and second security means and at least one of the first or second security means includes a removable portion to allow access to be validly gained to the confidential information.

In one embodiment the leaf means includes first and second security means which are located substantially on opposite sides of the leaf means. Further typically the confidential information is provided between the first and second security means.

In one embodiment the confidential information is printed on a first side of the leaf means.

In one embodiment of the invention the confidential information is substantially covered by the first security means attached to said first side of the leaf means. Typically at least the second security means is printed on to the opposite second side of said leaf means.

In one embodiment the leaf means is a sheet of material.

Typically the sheet material is a sheet of paper. Further typically the sheet of paper is a document such as a letter and/or the like.

Preferably the confidential information is a personal identification number (PIN).

In one embodiment the confidential information is printed directly onto at least one side of the leaf means. Typically the confidential information is printed using one or any combination of laser, laser-jet, inkjet, bubble jet, printers and/or the like. Further typically the confidential information is printed using a non-impact type printer.

In one embodiment the confidential information is substantially enclosed between, and/or otherwise surrounded by, the first and second security means.

In one embodiment at least the first security means is any one or any combination of a layer, sticker, label and/or the like.

Typically the first security means is a label attached to the sheet using one or more adhesives. Further typically the first security means cannot be removed without substantially tearing or otherwise marking the leaf means.

In one embodiment the first and/or second security means includes one or more removable portions.

In one embodiment the removable portion of the security means includes one or more removable layers. Typically the removable layers can be removed by scratching and/or peeling off the same.

In one embodiment the removable layer substantially covers a substantially transparent portion of the first and/or second security means. Typically removing the removable layer reveals a substantially transparent, or otherwise non-opaque, portion of the first security means through which the confidential information can be read or seen.

In one embodiment first and/or second security means include one or more portions which indicate if the removable portion has been removed, or an attempt has been made to remove the same.

Typically at least the first security means includes a void portion which indicates if the security means has been pulled, or an attempt made to release the security means, from the leaf means.

Further typically at least part of the void portion is transparent, or otherwise non-opaque, when substantially removed from the leaf means. The transparent portion is very difficult or substantially impossible to re-align once substantially removed from the leaf means, thereby clearly indicating tampering.

In one embodiment at least the second security means is printed with solvent sensitive ink. Typically if the first and/or second security means are tampered with and/or an attempt is made by unauthorised persons to remove the same with solvent, the solvent sensitive ink changes condition.

In one embodiment the solvent sensitive ink changes condition to display a message. Typically the ink substantially runs and/or bleeds to reveal a message. Further typically the message is displayed on the first side of the leaf means.

In one embodiment the solvent sensitive ink runs and/or bleeds to obscure the confidential information.

In one embodiment the second security means is printed in an interference pattern. Typically the pattern substantially ensures that at least part of the confidential information printed on the opposite side of the leaf means cannot be read, particularly if held up to the light.

In one embodiment the second security means covers an area of the leaf means larger than the first security means. Typically the first security means is substantially contained within the edges of the second security means. Typically, as the first and at least the second security means are located on opposite sides of the leaf means, the confidential information is substantially sandwiched or otherwise surrounded by the security means.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a further security means. Typically said further security means is provided substantially between the first and second security means. Further typically the further security means provides one or more layers onto which the confidential information is printed.

In one embodiment the further security means includes at least one layer printed on and/or otherwise attached to said leaf means. Typically the confidential information is printed onto the further security means. Further typically the confidential information is printed using a non-impact type printer.

In one embodiment at least one of the layers is an interference pattern and/or hatching.

In one embodiment at least one of the layers is a layer of metallic ink, and/or ink with a relatively high metal content.

Typically the further security means includes at least two layers.

In one embodiment one of the layers is an interference pattern and/or hatching printed onto the leaf means. Typically the interference pattern and/or hatching includes and/or is printed with solvent sensitive ink.

In one embodiment the metallic layer or layer of metallic ink is printed onto the interference pattern and/or hatching. Typically the confidential information is printed onto the metallic layer.

In one embodiment the confidential information is located substantially between the first and further security means.

Typically the further security means is substantially located between the first and second security means.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a sheet of material with first and second sides, said sheet of material including confidential information printed on at least the first side and a first security means attached to said first side substantially covering said confidential information and wherein at least a second security means is printed onto at least part of the second side of the leaf means.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of printing a document including confidential information said method including the steps of: -Printing said document including at least the confidential information, wherein said confidential information is printed whilst located substantially inside a housing.

Typically the housing covers at least the confidential information being printed so that persons cannot see what is printed.

In one embodiment the document remains inside the housing until at least one security means is applied to the document.

Typically the document remains substantially covered by the housing until at least a first security means covers at least part of the confidential information.

In one embodiment the document remains inside the housing until at least first and second security means are applied to said document.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a security apparatus for covering at least a portion of confidential information in use, said apparatus comprising at least a first and second layer wherein the first layer is attached to a sheet of material which includes the confidential information and the second layer is printed to the reverse side of the sheet of material to which the first layer is attached.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figures Ia and lb show front and back plan views of a sheet of paper including a security panel; Figure 2 shows the front view of a sheet wherein the confidential information has been revealed; Figure 3 shows a front view of a sheet wherein the first security panel has been tampered with; Figures 4a and 4b shows front and rear views of the sheets wherein the second security panel has been tampered with; Figure 5 shows a representation of one embodiment of the invention viewed from the side; and Figure 6 shows a representation of a further embodiment of the invention viewed from the side.

The present invention relates to a new security means which can be used to protect confidential information. The information is typically printed information such as bank card PIN numbers which are printed onto a letter. The security means includes at least two security means in the form of panels or layers, at least one of which is attached to the front of the letter and a second which is printed onto the reverse of the letter.

Turning firstly to figure Ia where there is shown a front view of a sheet of paper 2 with a first security means 4, in the form of a panel or layer, attached to the front. The first security means 4 is a label of the type available as a PIN void label' available from Schreiner GmbH. The first security means 4 acts as a panel covering confidential information, the information covered here is a four digit bank or banking card PIN number.

The first security means 4 or label in this example is constructed from plastics material and adhered to the sheet 2 with one or more adhesives. The label 4 includes two portions; a border portion 6, and a removable portion 8. The removable portion 8 includes instructions 10 (in German) to "scratch off here", however it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art these instructions could be in any language. The paper sheet 2 in this example is l00gsm laser bond.

Figure lb shows the reverse side 12 of the sheet 2. On the opposite side to the first security means 4, but covering substantially the same area on the reverse, a second security means 14 in the form of a printed panel, layer or section. The second security means 14 is printed directly onto the sheet 2 and forms an interference pattern so that the PIN cannot be viewed by unauthorised persons, typically attempted by shining a strong beam of light on the paper, for example. In this example the second security means is actually larger in area than the first security means. The ink that is used to print the second security means is tamper evident ink which runs or otherwise bleeds to display a message, particularly if solvents are used in an attempt to remove the first security means or label 4. The ink can also incorporate a feature of bleeding or running to obscuring the PIN if the ink comes into contact with one or mote solvents.

Figure 2 shows the label 4 with the removable portion 8 partially scratched away, to reveal a transparent portion 16 of the label 4, through which the PIN 18 can be seen. The transparent portion is effectively a window in this example. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that a first security means could have an aperture therein on which a third scratch off' layer could be applied to achieve the same effect.

The PIN is usually printed using a laser or ink jet type printer and in this example a laser printer is used. This ensures that the PIN can be clearly read by the intended recipient of the letter.

The PIN can also be printed using solvent sensitive ink to remove or otherwise obscure the same if solvents are used in an attempt to remove a security layer.

To further aid the security of the system, the PIN 18 and at least one of the security means 4, 14 are printed and/or applied in an opaque housing (not shown) or cover. This is to ensure that unauthorised third parties cannot view the printer in action.

Effectively the housing acts as a black box so the printing operation cannot be observed.

Figure 3 shows the result of an attempt to peel off or otherwise remove the first security means 4. It can be seen that during the attempt part of the label remains adhered to the paper, revealing transparent portions of the label which read VOID. This is a clear indication to the recipient of the PIN that the security measures to conceal the same have been tampered with or compromised.

Figure 4a shows a sheet 2 which has had solvent applied thereto to imitate an attempt to remove the adhesive from the label 4.

It can be seen that the solvent sensitive ink 14 on the reverse side shown in figure 4b, has bled through the page to clearly display VOID. This is a second security measure to ensure that the PIN is not disclosed to unauthorised persons and, if an attempt is made to see the PIN without removing the scratch off panel, the VOID effect is clearly visible.

The sheet 2 will usually be printed with other information to form a letter. The printing is also laser printed and typically contains information regarding what to do if the security means appears to have been tampered with. The current invention allows the entire letter or mailer information to be printed using a laser or ink jet printer, which is quicker and more efficient than conventional methods with the added advantage that the PIN is clearly visible when revealed in the correct authorised manner.

The aforementioned embodiment is shown in figure 5 where the sheet of paper 2 includes a first security means in the form of a label 4 on one side thereof and on the reverse side the second security means in the form of security hatching 14 printed on the rear of the paper 2. The PIN 18 in this example is printed directly onto the paper 2.

An additional embodiment is shown in figure 6 wherein the sheet of paper 2 includes the security hatching 14 printed to the rear of the same with the PIN 18 effectively sandwiched between the security label 4 and the security hatching 14. In addition to the first 4 and second 14 security means this embodiment includes a further security means 20 which includes two layers. The first layer is a layer of additional hatching 22 printed to the front of the paper 2, and the second layer 24 is a substantially opaque metallic layer printed onto the hatching 22.

This arrangement further improves the protection afforded to the confidential information 18 by countering the threat of the same being compromised by the use of transmitted light through the back of the paper 2.

In this example, both layers 22,24 are printed using inks applied to the face of the paper 2, both of which are located under the label 4 when it is applied. The purpose of these inks is to further confuse the eye by introducing another pattern which will come into play when the mailer is subjected to strong transmitted light and to provide a flat metallic ground for the PIN 18 itself to be printed onto. The metallic ink adds additional opacity to the PIN area.

Claims

Claims 1. A leaf means including confidential information on at least one side thereof, said leaf means including a first security means located on one side of the leaf and at least a second security means located on the reverse side of the leaf wherein the confidential information is substantially overlaid by the first and second security means and at least one of the first or second security means includes a removable portion to allow access to be validly gained to the confidential information.
2. A leaf means according to claim I wherein the confidential information is provided between the first and second security means.
3. A leaf means according to claim 2 wherein the confidential information is substantially enclosed between and/or surrounded by the first and second security means.
4. A leaf means according to any preceding claim wherein the confidential information is printed onto a first side of the leaf means.
5. A leaf means according to claim 4 wherein the confidential information is printed using any one or any combination of non-impact type printers.
6. A leaf means according to any preceding claim wherein the confidential information is substantially covered by the first security means.
7. A leaf means according to claim 6 wherein the first security means is any one or any combination of a layer, sticker, label and/or the like.
8. A leaf means according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the first security means is attached to the leaf means using one or more adhesives.
9. A leaf means according to any preceding claim wherein the first and/or second security means includes one or more removable portions.
10. A leaf means according to claim 10 wherein the one or more removable portions includes a removable layer.
11. A leaf means according to claim 11 wherein the removable layer substantially covers a substantially transparent portion of the first and/or second security means.
12. A leaf means according to any preceding claim wherein the second security means is printed onto the same.
13. A leaf means according to claim 12 wherein at least part of the second security means is printed with solvent sensitive ink.
14. A leaf means according to claims 12 or 13 wherein at least part of the second security means is printed in an interference pattern.
15. A leaf means according to any preceding claim wherein the second security means covers an area of the leaf larger than the first security means.
16. A leaf means according to claim 15 wherein first security means is substantially contained within the edges of the second security means.
17. A leaf means according to any preceding claim wherein the leaf means includes a further security means provided substantially between the first and second security means.
18. A leaf means according to claim 17 wherein the further security means includes one or more layers onto which the confidential information is printed.
19. A leaf means according to claim 18 wherein at least one of the layers includes an interference pattern and/or hatching.
20. A leaf means according to claims 18 or 19 wherein at least one of the layers is a metallic layer.
21. A leaf means according to any preceding claim wherein the leaf means is a sheet of paper.
22. A leaf means according to any preceding claim wherein the confidential information is a personal identification number (PIN).
23. A method of printing a document including confidential information, said method including the steps of: -printing said document; and Wherein said confidential information is printed whilst located substantially inside a housing.
24. A method of printing a document according to claim 23 wherein at least the part of the document including the confidential information remains inside the housing until at least a first security means covers at least part of the confidential information.
25. A method of printing a document according to claim 24 wherein the at least the part of the document including the confidential information remains inside the housing until at least first and second security means are applied to said document.
26. Security apparatus for covering at least a portion of confidential information printed to a sheet of material in use, said apparatus comprising at least a first and second layer wherein the first layer is attached to said sheet in use and the second layer is printed to the reverse side of the sheet to which the first layer is attached.