Distribution Agreement Enables Purchase of IronKey Secure and Managed Portable Solutions Through GSA Schedule

IronKey and Carahsoft Technology Corp. announced that Carashsoft will distribute IronKey’s managed portable storage, authentication and trusted virtual computing solutions for mobile workers in the public sector.

In entering this agreement, IronKey is able to leverage Carahsoft’s expertise in delivering industry-leading solutions to federal, state and local government agencies, and enable public sector customers and reseller partners to access their products through Carahsoft’s GSA Schedule. IronKey solutions allow for increased productivity within government organizations by granting agency employees the flexibility of secure data portability, and the cost-effective benefits of virtualization without the security risks associated with most USB flash drives.

“By partnering with industry leaders such as IronKey, we empower government customers and reseller partners with innovative and market-leading solutions to help protect critical data and networks,” said Craig P. Abod, president of Carahsoft. “We are delighted to work with IronKey to deliver advanced solutions to enhance and streamline mobile worker productivity without compromising security.”

IronKey is the global leader in providing portable storage, authentication and trusted virtual computing solutions for mobile workers, and has a long-standing record of trusted service with government agencies. IronKey encapsulates the latest desktop virtualization technology in a managed and secure portable device. It offers a cost effective way to enable mobile workers with a highly secure computing environment, and the ability to run an entire desktop, including the operating system, specific applications and files directly from an IronKey secure portable computing device.

Confidential information is protected using AES 256-bit CBC mode encryption. The system includes active anti-malware protection, password protection and virus scanning in a waterproof and tamper resistant device. IronKey devices can also be managed remotely, allowing tracking, controlled access to sensitive data and the ability to disable or destroy lost or stolen drives.

“IronKey is dedicated to working with strategic channel partners who are proven leaders in bringing comprehensive security solutions to market,” said David Jevans, CEO at IronKey. “Carahsoft’s established public sector relationships and its focus on industry-leading security solutions make them an ideal partner to help our customers meet increasing demands to defend critical data, comply with legislative requirements and improve productivity.”

Source: IronKey


DataTraveler 5000 Certified for Government-Approved Secure Data Protection

Kingston Digital announced the release of the DataTraveler® 5000 USB Flash drive. The DataTraveler 5000 is FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified with Level 3 pending, and features 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption. It uses XTS cipher mode and also uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) algorithms to meet Suite B standards approved by the U.S. government.

“The DataTraveler 5000 delivers unsurpassed levels of security and encryption to government and enterprise customers,” said Mark Akoubian, business manager, Secure USB Products, Kingston®. “This portable data solution represents state-of-the-art data protection while providing end users with the simplicity of plug and play.”

The DataTraveler 5000 utilizes patented Secured by SPYRUS(TM) technology which supports hardware-based 256-bit XTS-AES and Suite B cryptography, including ECC. Suite B algorithms were specifically selected and approved by the U.S. government and the Department of Defense for use in multinational data sharing environments including both classified and unclassified applications. XTS-AES mode is a cipher mode for encryption that is much stronger than CBC, ECB and other modes. SPYRUS, Inc., is the leader in the development of advanced hardware-based encryption, authentication and digital content security products.

FIPS 140-2 certification requires a validation process that meets federal requirements set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This is critical because many governmental agencies in the United States mandate that sensitive “data at rest” (i.e., all information not in the network) must be encrypted with the FIPS 140-2 standard. Level 2 means the DataTraveler 5000 has a tamper-evident construction which acts to notify any users if their drive has been tampered with. It also has a power-on self test that verifies the encryption mechanism is running properly each time the drive is plugged into a USB port. The drive is expected to receive a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certificate soon.

The DataTraveler 5000 is available in 2-, 4-, 8- and 16GB capacities. It will also be available with an onboard Malware scanning application via Kingston’s extensive customization program. For its U.S. government customers, Kingston offers a variety of Trade Agreement Act-compliant (TAA) products and has a dedicated federal sales team in place.

DataTraveler 5000 Features and Specifications:
– Dimensions: 3.06″ x 0.9″ x 0.47″ (77.9mm x 22mm x 12.05mm)
– Capacities(1): 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB
– Compatibility: designed to USB 2.0 specifications
– Operating Temperature: 32 degrees F to 140 degrees F (0 degrees C to 60 degrees C)
– Storage Temperature: -4 degrees F to 185 degrees F (-20 degrees to 85 degrees C)
– Minimum System Requirements(2):
– USB 2.0 compliant and 1.1 compatible
– Two (2) free consecutive drive letters required for use
– FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Certified
– Secure: drive locks down after 10 intrusion attempts and encryption key is destroyed
– Enforced complex pass protection: password is user set with minimum characteristics to prevent unauthorized access
– Passwords never stored on device
– Hardware designed and assembled in the U.S.
– SPYRUS Suite B on Board(TM)
– Elliptic curve cryptography
– Secure channel communication
– Digitally signed firmware updates using Suite B SHA-384 and ECDSA P-384
– DT5000 can operate with AutoRun disabled
– Enforces tamper-free AutoRun files
– Fully customizable Malware scanning option(3)
– Cryptography: Made in the U.S.
– Full Privacy: 100 percent of stored data is protected by 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardware-based encryption – master key recreated at logon
– Customizable(3): preload content, full security policy customization, casing options
– Tamper evident: tamper-evident coating/seal for physical security
– Waterproof(4): protected against water damage
– Guaranteed: five-year warranty with 24/7 customer support
– Ruggedized: waterproof and titanium-coated stainless steel casing

(1) Some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. For more information, please consult Kingston’s Flash Memory Guide at Kingston.com/Flash_Memory_Guide.
(2) First free drive letters after physical devices such as system partition, optical drives, etc.
(3) Available via customization program.
(4) Up to 4 ft.
(5) Does not support ReadyBoost(TM).

Source: Kingston Digital, Inc.


New 720 Range Will Include a Wipe-Clean, Wall-Mounted and Weather-Proof Housing

Electrone Europe announces the launch of the expanded range of 720 Series of door keypad terminals, specifically designed for access control systems. The 720 IP, PoE, Serial and USB keypads are now available with a wipe-clean or wall-mounted housing and soon to be available metal outdoor weather-proof housing.

The Electrone 720 Series of door keypad terminals offers access control systems a wide range of options including graphic and numeric 2-line displays, USB, PS2 and serial connectivity, as well as the greater flexibility to connect directly onto an Intranet or the Internet, via a configurable RJ45 connection – with or without PoE capabilities. Certain models of the keypads can also include a magnetic stripe reader, biometrics reader or chip card reader, if required. The 720 IP keypads are now available as a multi-voltage unit, which allows them to connect to any power source within range.

Stuart Thorn, CEO of Electrone Europe, comments, “By default, all Electrone 720 Series of door keypad terminals come with a standard set of commands which can be used to integrate with existing access control systems and applications or used to build the keypad into new application developments. Electrone is now able to offer further customisation with a range of housings to suit a variety of market requirements or working environments.”

Thorn continues, “From experience in the market we know there are varying environments in which the Electrone 720 keypad series need to be used. We can now deliver these keypads as a desktop model with either a standard keypad, or including a wipe-clean membrane for sectors such as retail, healthcare, hospitality or catering environments, and, if needed, the keypad can also be ordered with a wall-mount housing perhaps for use in conjunction with a remote monitoring or access control systems. Similarly we are developing a weather-proof housing for the unit, which makes the keypad suitable for use in outdoor locations.”

Electrone has also increased the flexibility of the Electrone 720 range with an introduction of an LCD display which is capable of handling a wider range of character sets. The first customer for this enhanced display is in Greece where the Electrone 720 is now being installed utilising the full Greek character set.

Electrone has a variety of clients who are using the keypads within a range of environments including; the British Gymnastics Association, which has replaced their traditional event scoring system with the Electrone 720 PoE keypads, and a security company which uses the terminal to provide central monitoring for events, alarms and CCTV equipment. The keypad is also used in China within an auction house environment as a bidding terminal.

Thorn concludes, “The 720 is a unique, low-cost product that can solve a wide variety of network communication problems and deliver web based services. The keypad’s on-board memory allows settings to be adjusted to suit an array of functions so the unit can work in an ‘offline mode’ with local storage capabilities, and now with the improved and expanded range of weather-proof housing units this keypad is a suitable solution for a wider array of data entry environments.”

Source: Electrone Europe


Secure and Managed Portable Workspace for Mobile Workers Enhances Endpoint Security and Preserves Investment in Computer Hardware

To help meet growing customer and market demand for a highly secure computing environment for mobile workers, IronKey, the leader in secure and managed portable computing, today launched its Trusted Virtual Computing initiative to enable organizations to realize the cost-effective benefits of virtualization without compromising security.

The new IronKey platform enables IronKey devices to provide a secure, portable computing environment that meets the unique needs of remote workers, corporate banking customers, as well as government and military users. The IronKey solution not only improves the security of remote access, but can also provide the basis for IT cost reduction across the enterprise or agency.

IronKey encapsulates the latest desktop virtualization technology in a managed and secure portable device. By securing the user’s applications, data and associated workspace resources, IronKey offers a cost effective approach for enterprises to enable mobile workers with a highly secure computing environment. IronKey Trusted Virtual Computing offers an ideal way to provide for business continuity and telework, enabling secure portable virtualization even when network connections are lost, or bandwidth is limited. The solution also addresses some of the hardest security problems, including protection from root kits and commercial banking Trojans.

Virtualization, which has reduced cost, increased security and availability and enabled more agile business responses in the datacenter, is moving to the desktop. Now, IronKey helps to solve the remote desktop challenges of the last decade. By taking desktop virtualization to the next level and cutting the ties to the data center it removes reliance on high-bandwidth network connections.

With the ability to run an entire desktop, including the operating system, specific applications and files directly from an IronKey secure portable computing device, customers can realize the benefits of virtualization with minimal investment, and without compromising security. IronKey delivers the same stringent security as found behind the corporate firewall. IronKey empowers organizations to issue these secure devices in lieu of laptops, and thereby significantly reduce IT costs.

Key Components:
– IronKey Multifunction Security Device–IronKey multifunction security device has the look and feel of a USB thumb drive, and is just as easy to use. Underlying this initiative, the IronKey portable multifunction computing device, provides the essential hardware-based security, user authentication, and high-performance architecture that enable secure portable virtualization solutions.
– Application Validation in Hardware–The IronKey Cryptochip handles application validation using x.509 digital certificates in hardware that is manufactured through a secure supply chain.
– Optimized Secure Storage–IronKey secure portable virtualization protects the virtualization payload, applications, and user data from unauthorized access with strong hardware encryption.
– IronKey KeyOS–IronKey KeyOS(TM) firmware is optimized not only to meet the demands of virtualization security but also the performance requirements of portable desktops. IronKey KeyOS also prevents updates from getting on the device unless they are digitally signed by IronKey–ensuring that your payload is always what you think it is.
– Strong Authentication for Network Access–The IronKey multifunction security devices contain an array of strong two-factor authentication technologies, allowing virtualized applications to authenticate themselves to corporate networks and VPNs.
– Remote Management–Enterprise-class remote systems management adds another level of security.

“Trusted Virtual Computing shifts the mobile computing paradigm by delivering workspaces on highly secure, portable devices and eliminating reliance on high bandwidth to deliver the performance today’s mobile workforce requires,” said David Jevans, CEO at IronKey. “We are committed to helping organizations solve security challenges associated with mobile access, data protection and malware threats. Many of our government and enterprise customers have field operatives, as well as workers that regularly telecommute, travel and need access to files and applications without sacrificing performance or security. It is imperative to protect the integrity of the information they carry without inhibiting productivity. We can now provide these mobile workers with secure access to a complete virtual desktop and applications wherever they are in the world.”

IronKey Enterprise Solutions provide smooth integration with existing systems and technologies. It also enables significant opportunities for technology partners, integrators and developers to extend the applications of the IronKey environment. IronKey provides integrated support for virtual desktop software from industry leaders including Moka5 and RingCube. Unique, IronKey-based virtual computing solutions have been developed in partnership with industry leaders, including Lockheed Martin IronClad.

Source: IronKey


Fulcrum Announces Reseller Agreement with UPEK for USB Readers and Modules

Fulcrum Biometrics announced that it is now an approved reseller of UPEK® award-winning biometric fingerprint readers and modules, including the new EikonTouch USB fingerprint reader product line. EikonTouch fingerprint readers utilize one-touch placement sensors to deliver a simple, user-friendly experience while providing precise image quality for highly accurate fingerprint authentication. The new EikonTouch 700 provides FIPS 201 certified image quality for use in government applications and multi-user solutions that require both high biometric performance and ease-of-use. The EikonTouch 300 with SteelCoat(TM) protective coating is designed for use in rugged environments and for cost-sensitive applications requiring one-touch authentication. Both EikonTouch products, as well Eikon® swipe USB readers and other fingerprint modules, are available now from Fulcrum Biometrics.

“We are pleased to offer the proven, high-quality UPEK product line to our customers in the US and around the world,” said Ken Nosker, President of Fulcrum Biometrics. “The new EikonTouch fingerprint readers offer the level of quality and usability required by our customers in both government and the private sector. And with the new SteelCoat(TM) option, UPEK offers a more rugged sensor for tougher environments.”

Since its inception in 2002, Fulcrum Biometrics has provided biometric hardware, software development tools and custom integration services, partnering with numerous companies, government agencies and prime contractors on the development and deployment of small and large scale biometric solutions. By adding the UPEK product line, Fulcrum Biometrics can now offer customers an even wider range of biometric fingerprint hardware options – from UPEK’s low-cost, widely-compatible Eikon swipe sensor devices to highly-secure, government-certified, one-touch fingerprint readers.

“UPEK is pleased to have Fulcrum Biometrics as an approved reseller for the new EikonTouch USB fingerprint readers,” said Mike Chaudoin, director of business development for UPEK, Inc. “With the only FBI-certified FIPS-201 silicon fingerprint sensor technology and UPEK’s high durability SteelCoat(TM) protective coating, these readers deliver excellent image quality, durability, ergonomics and security improvements over previous UPEK TouchChip® USB readers, returning UPEK to a leadership position in the touch-based USB fingerprint reader marketplace.”

UPEK biometric products, including the new EikonTouch 300 and EikonTouch 700, are available now from Fulcrum Biometrics.

For more information, go to: http://www.fulcrumbiometrics.com/.