RSA Targets Govt. Wireless Business

Bedford, Mass.-based RSA Security has introduced new software for wireless and embedded devices that meets the strict security standards of the U.S. and Canadian governments.

RSA BSAFE Crypto-C Micro Edition software — designed for use in cell phones, PDAs, cable modems and smart cards — conforms with the most recent version of the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS).

As a result, RSA helps government agencies meet security requirements while allowing other technology vendors deliver compliant products in less time and at a lower cost.

When the FIPS regulation was introduced, the requirement was often waived since there were so few validated cryptographic modules. But by last year, waivers were no longer being granted.

The offering is available on several platforms including WinCE, Win 32, PocketPC 2002, Solaris and Linux. In addition, RSA Security can port RSA BSAFE Crypto-C Micro Edition to other platforms upon customer request.

“Security for encryption-embedded environments is a priority for the U.S. and Canadian governments,” said Senthil Krishnapillai, a senior technical product manager at Extended Sytems, a RSA licensee. “Therefore, it has become imperative that our mobile synchronization solutions be FIPS validated.”

Pricing information was not immediately available.