Forwarded From: Doug Simpson <DSimpsonat_private> [Compaq isn't the first & only one! Don't forget the rest of the world - Doug] 7th September 1998 Boost For Smart Aussie Company SNS The First To Be Granted U.S. Export Licence For High Security Cryptography In a coup for Australian E-Commerce and secure business applications, Microsoft and the US Government have granted approval for a license of Microsoft's 1024 bit RSA Cryptographic Service to be provided in Australia by local security and E-Commerce solutions provider Rotek Consulting, a division of Secure Network Solutions Ltd (SNS). SNS Managing Director Geoffrey Ross says users of this technology will be able to provide customers with smartcards without the risk of private key exposure, with seamless integration to Microsoft applications. Restrictions on the use of highly secure technology from the US have previously limited the growth of E-Commerce in Australia, however the granting of the developer licence is a clear indication of confidence now being placed in Australian business. Rotek Consulting is the company that enabled the secure technology within Australia Post's KeyPost business. "This is an important step in the recognition of SNS as the major player in the provision of truly secure network solutions," Mr Ross says. "Rotek is now in a position to accelerate its work in delivering trusted applications for the banking and finance sectors." Rotek intends to use this technology to integrate its smart card offerings with the standard Microsoft cryptographic environment, as an extension of its "TrustedNet" service. The high key length coupled with the physical security of a smart card improves the digital signature strength to levels required by banks and government agencies and is consistent with the Federal Government's recently announced "Gatekeeper" strategy. Rotek's "TrustedNet" technology allows government, business and consumers to use the same smart card for digitally signing their Internet banking transactions and to secure messaging services using S/MIME. Security certificates are issued internally by a company or through Australia Post's Key Post service. "The granting of the export licence, an Australian first, enables Rotek to provide seamless support of Microsoft applications including SSL client certified processing. Most important to many of our customers, the applications developed by Rotek enables smart card-based S/MIME support in MS Exchange," says Rotek's General Manager, Ross Oakley. This development is seen as another important step in the integration of smart cards into an "open security environment" which underpins the "TrustedNet" application suite. Rotek has deployed "TrustedNet" in support of banking, government and health applications worldwide. Australian businesses have been hesitant to embrace E-Commerce and secure applications to date due to the lack of high data cryptography and open standards in the issuing of smart cards and secure messaging. A high level of trust is now afforded across a range of Microsoft applications opening the way for simpler administration and reduced costs. -o- Subscribe: mail majordomoat_private with "subscribe isn". Today's ISN Sponsor: Repent Security Incorporated [www.repsec.com]
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