Press Release
September 12, 2006
SafeNet Announces Smart Card Support for BlackBerry Handsets
BALTIMORE, Maryland - SafeNet, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFNT), setting the standard for information security, today announced smart card support for BlackBerry® from Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM)(TSX: RIM). Currently, all BlackBerry handsets that are Bluetooth®-enabled have the ability to use the BlackBerry Smart Card Reader™ for two-factor authentication. Used together, the wearable BlackBerry Smart Card Reader and SafeNet’s Smart Card 330, will further ensure that access is only granted to authorized users.
With the increase in identity theft and stolen information, organizations are recognizing the need for stronger security in the form of two-factor authentication on PCs, laptops, and other wireless computer devices. BlackBerry is one of the most widely used wireless handheld devices on the market, providing access to email, corporate data, phone, web, and other information. Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of certain data stored on or accessible from a BlackBerry handset, maximizing its industry-leading security features is essential.
“The proliferation of the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution in organizations is due in part to our commitment to security across all points of the platform. By leveraging industry standard solutions for two-factor authentication, we can give customers the added confidence that comes with proven technologies,” said Scott Totzke, Director, Global Security, at RIM. “The combination of SafeNet's Smart Card 330 and the BlackBerry Smart Card Reader adds an additional layer of security for BlackBerry users, especially for organizations that must meet higher security compliance requirements.”
A well-known definition of two-factor authentication is “something you have” (e.g., a token or smart card) and “something you know” (a password). The SafeNet Smart Card 330 is inserted into the wearable BlackBerry Smart Card Reader and users are then provided encryption-based, identity security via digital certificates stored on the smart card. The user enters a password and is then granted access for secure email transactions and web logon from the BlackBerry handset, so long as the smart card remains inserted into the reader and the reader is in close proximity of the handset.
“We are excited to see the expanded use of authentication for BlackBerry handsets,” said Chris Fedde, senior vice president and general manager, SafeNet’s Enterprise Security Division. “SafeNet’s smart card technology is based on government-grade security and it has already been widely deployed. Being one of the first companies to have support for the BlackBerry Smart Card Reader is a testament to SafeNet’s commitment to developing the strongest security possible for the most sensitive applications.”
About the SafeNet Smart Card 330
SafeNet’s industry-leading smart card offers some of the most powerful cryptographic PKI token technology available today. The Smart Card 330 provides strong security for applications like Windows logon, PC encryption, VPN authentication, secure web access, digital signatures, document security, and secure email. FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated, the Smart Card 330 supports industry standards including PKCS #11 and Microsoft CryptoAPI, allowing for seamless integration with applications and products from leading PKI vendors. For more information on the Smart Card 330, visit SafeNet’s Web site at www.safenet-inc.com /smartcard330
About SafeNet, Inc.
SafeNet is a global leader in information security. Founded more than 20 years ago, the company provides complete security utilizing its encryption technologies to protect communications, intellectual property and digital identities, and offers a full spectrum of products including hardware, software, and chips. UBS, Nokia, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Bank of America, Adobe, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Samsung, Texas Instruments, the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and scores of other customers entrust their security needs to SafeNet. For more information, visit www.safenet-inc.com
" Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
The statements contained in this release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are subject to uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are included but are not limited to those listed in SafeNet's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations.
Editor's Note: SafeNet is a registered trademark and SafeXcel is a trademark of SafeNet, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Editor’s note: The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.
