In 2007, the Nuremberg-based provider of IT security solutions had launched the first microSD card worldwide. It featured both a cryptographic processor and the entire functionality and security of a Smart Card.
Now, the card is also suitable for use in the BlackBerry’s memory card slot, so it’s no longer necessary to connect to external devices for authentication or encryption.
Armed with what the company claims to be a “unique hardware token”, certgate’s ergonomic solution (a solution that’s said to be “far superior” to those which are software-based) enhances data safety on BlackBerry devices used in sensitive environments.
RIM – the Canadian-based manufacturer of the BlackBerry – has been offering another solution for e-mail data protection. A reading device is available as an accessory, enabling users to encrypt stored and/or sent data by means of personal certificates.
Security-sensitive environments
According to IT security experts, this technology prevents access to sensitive data by unauthorised persons and – provided that a conclusive internal security policy is in place – enables mobile devices to be used in security-sensitive environments such as Government authorities or high-tech enterprises. Still, the $64,000 question is: ‘Who wants to carry around an extra reading device and a check-card-sized Smart Card in addition to their smartphone’?
There are software-based encryption solutions, based on using the boot-up logic to store certificates and encryption materials on the device. The problem with these solutions is that they’re too vulnerable to be used for business purposes.
“No wonder there’s widespread scepticism in security-sensitive business fields when it comes to using mobile devices,” commented Dr Paschalis Papagrigoriou, CEO of certgate, in conversation with SMT Online. “Our new hardware-based security solution, which is also available for BlackBerry, closes previous safety gaps. What’s more, it’s easy to use.”
No external readers required
Dr Papagrigoriou went on to explain the advantages of the new solution. “Since our certgate Smart Card microSD doesn’t require any external readers or other devices, with codes generated directly on the chip card, it’s virtually impossible to ‘spy’ on them. Even if the device is lost or stolen, the data is safe thanks to powerful and effective encryption.”
With more than eleven million users worldwide, the BlackBerry can be considered the most popular and widely used mobile communication device. Without it, modern business life would be almost unthinkable (in particular for managers). However, in 2007 when the French Government banned business-related use of the BlackBerry by Government officials due to security concerns, this reignited public debate around the safety of sensitive data on mobile devices.
In Germany, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has been cautioning against using the BlackBerry “in security sensitive areas of public administration, and in businesses threatened by industrial espionage”. In addition, major corporations like Audi or Total have long been prohibiting the use of BlackBerry devices within their IT functions due to security concerns.
Devices running on Microsoft
The certgate Smart Card microSD isn’t solely available for the BlackBerry. A version for devices running on Microsoft operating systems has been established in the market for quite some time, and is used by renowned organisations in Germany and other countries to ensure safe data communications with mobile devices.
The Cards are available with either 512 MB or 1 GB flash memory.
certgate is a Nuremberg-based, high-tech enterprise founded by Dr Papgrigoriou back in 2004. The company specialises in developing and marketing products and solutions which enhance the safety and user-friendliness of mobile communication devices.
Due to its strong cryptographic function, the certgate microSD Smart Card permits the generation, storage and safe use of certificates and personal safety keys. Consequently, it also supports encrypted data storage, safe mobile banking (according to HBCI and EBICS standards), and the setting up of safe VPN connections from mobile devices.
Customised security for PDAs
In close co-operation with implementation partners, certgate is presently working on customised security solutions for smartphones, PDAs and other mobile devices (all of those solutions based on its certgate Smart Card micro SD).