The security solution Kobil mIDentity from the German IT-Security vendor Kobil Systems will be integrated in the secure inter-network architecture SINA from Secunet Security Networks AG. The smart card terminal will be used in particular for mobile SINA. The mIDentity SINA integration was encouraged by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).

The highly secure SINA operating system is stored on and booted directly from the mIDentity flash memory. This means that there is a manipulation-proof system available as a reference monitor on the computer after it has been booted. This forms the basis of the SINA Virtual Workstation and a protective layer with cryptographic functions that enables users to work very securely with their standard operating systems (Windows, Linux). The SIM-sized SINA smart card is integrated in the small card reader.

The mIDentity SINA Integration was encouraged by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). The combination of secure storage and boot medium in Kobil's smart card and the high security software from Secunet will lead to further innovative applications in the future. With SINA Virtual Desktop, which is still in the development phase, it will be possible for example to boot a virtual application system on a Windows PC directly from the Kobil mIDentity SINA Token. This approach provides reliable protection of the user's data against viruses and Trojans in the surrounding system.

Secunet and Kobil have been working together for many years now: Kobil components are already being used in the current SINA hardware. For example, the SINA Box contains a special OEM version of the Kobil B1 Professional card reader. Now, Kobil mIDentity is being integrated in the security architecture. The advantages of mIDentity are the exchangeable smart card, which greatly simplifies rollout and configuration processes, and the updateable firmware, which means the devices are ideally suited for future requirements. Completely equipped mIDentity systems with flash memory will be used for the SINA Virtual Workstation 2.2 and the planned SINA Virtual Desktop from the end of 2006.

Apart from the joint technological developments, Kobil will in future be providing support for Secunet in SINA Business Edition international sales, in particular for entering the Turkish market for IT security and national high security applications. The two companies are also planning joint sales activities in German-speaking countries (D-A-CH). This will boost the national and international positioning of IT security products made in Germany.

[This sounds like an excellent idea. Whoever owns the boot process owns the computer. --Ed].

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www.kobil.com

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