Press Release
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, September 16, 1997
Mytec Technologies Inc. Incorporates RSA
Technology into its Biometric Encryption Package
RSA Data Security, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Security Dynamics Technologies, Inc.
(NASDAQ: SDTI), today announced that Mytec Technologies Inc. has incorporated RSA's
encryption technology into its biometric encryption solution. Mytec Technologies Inc. of
Toronto, Ontario, has developed patented biometric techniques which allow an individual's
unique finger pattern to be used as a secure container in which an encryption key, used to
code data, can be stored. Mytec's products are designed to enable secure transmission of
information across company intranets and the Internet.
Biometric encryption is the process of using the pattern found in a person's fingerprint to code
or scramble an encryption key. As each finger pattern is unique, the way in which this key is
scrambled is also unique. Accordingly, the scrambled key is both secure and private as only
the person's live finger pattern can unscramble the key. Biometric encryption now provides an
additional method of secure key management for users of the RSA algorithms.
Encryption algorithms are typically used to change readable text or "plaintext" into a
non-readable form known as "ciphertext". All encryption schemes require an encryption key
to initiate the process. This key must be stored securely because, in the hands of the wrong
person, encrypted (or secret) text can be returned to its normal state and be read. As secure
key management is considered the weak link of encryption chains, Mytec's technology has
solved a significant problem.
"The combination of Biometric encryption with RSA's encryption technology brings a higher
level of security to communication on public networks such as the Internet," said Keith
Clemons, Mytec's vice president of marketing. "Electronic commerce and e-mail transactions
can now be carried out with authentication of both parties in the transaction. Only an
authorized individual could have sent the message and only the designated receiver can read
the message. The ability to provide security as a function of something you are has always
been viewed as a goal in the digital world: Mytec and RSA are facilitating that goal."
"Mytec's use of RSA encryption technology in this innovative application demonstrates the
versatility of our toolkits, as well as the increasing demand in the marketplace for products
that promote privacy and security," said Jim Bidzos, president of RSA Data Security.
Developers at Mytec Technologies Inc. used RSA's BSAFE cryptography engine and
developers' toolkit to create secure applications. These applications require the safe storage
of encryption keys. The BSAFE encryption engine provides software developers with
multiple algorithms and modules for adding encryption and authentication features to
applications. The BSAFE toolkit includes modules for popular encryption techniques, such as
RSA, DES, RC2, and RC4, and also supports digital signatures and certificates.
Mytec Technologies Inc.
Mytec is a public company listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol
MYT. Mytec is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with a U.S. sales office in Atlanta,
Georgia.
RSA Data Security, Inc.
RSA Data Security, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Security Dynamics Technologies,
Inc., is the world's brand name for cryptography, with more than 80 million copies of RSA
encryption and authentication technologies installed and in use worldwide. RSA technologies
are part of existing and proposed standards for the Internet and World Wide Web, CCITT,
ISO, ANSI, IEEE, and business, financial and electronic commerce networks around the
globe. RSA develops and markets platform-independent developer's kits and end-user
products and provides comprehensive cryptographic consulting services.
Founded in 1982 by the inventors of the RSA Public Key Cryptosystem, the company is
headquartered in Redwood City, Calif.
BSAFE is a trademark of RSA Data Security, Inc.
Contact:
For Information about RSA:
Patrick Corman Marketing & Communications
Patrick Corman
+1-650-326-9648
For information about Mytec Technologies, Inc.
Brenda Lawless, Investor Relations
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