Veridicom Lives,
Here is some news about Vcom. I would guess that Phoenix would have its own software, so I don't know where NRID fits in.
Sheldon C.
Phoenix Technologies' SecureAgent Offers Unprecedented Computer Security and Privacy With Operating System-Independent Solution
PALM SPRINGS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 1999--
Hewlett-Packard Supports Security Initiative; Veridicom to
Demonstrate SecureAgent(TM) Fingerprint Authentication
Capabilities Today at the Intel Developers Forum
Phoenix Technologies(TM) Ltd. (Nasdaq:PTEC) -- the global leader in foundation and connectivity IP software -- today announced SecureAgent(TM), the industry's premiere two-level cryptographic-based system security product, which provides a new level of privacy and protection for information on computer systems.
Designed to benefit end users and corporate IS organizations, SecureAgent protects next generation notebook, desktop, server and industrial computers with operating system-independent security at the critical system start up.
SecureAgent assures that a system is protected by offering two-level security at the "T-Zero" time, which is the period between the system power-on and the initiation of an operating system, such as Windows 98. Operating in this manner, the security system cannot be bypassed by booting the system from a network or floppy disk, a key weakness of operating system-based security technologies.
In addition, SecureAgent assures privacy by restricting access only to authorized users of the system.
SecureAgent is superior to simple password security, as it requires Two-Factor Authentication (TFA). TFA extends the simple password, stored in the user's mind, with verification by a cryptographic hardware token, such as a SmartCard or biometrics device. As SecureAgent requires authorization from both factors to gain system access, a compromised password or SmartCard does not nullify system security.
Even if a SecureAgent system's ATAPI-4-compliant hard drive is swapped, both the data on the removed drive and the SecureAgent system remain secure, still requiring the TFA to operate successfully.
Elements of SecureAgent were developed as a result of technical collaborations between Hewlett-Packard and Phoenix. "With increasing notebook and system theft, individuals and organizations look to SmartCard and biometrics technology for protection sensitive information and intellectual property," said Bruce Encke, security project manager for the Mobile Computing Division at Hewlett-Packard.
"Hewlett-Packard is working with Phoenix to incorporate this technology and develop a comprehensive system security solution for our customers."
SecureAgent supports a range of biometric hardware tokens, such as Veridicom's FPS-100 fingerprint reader, enabling fingerprint biodata to be used as one of the TFA factors. A real-time demonstration of this security solution can be seen in Veridicom's booth, no. 28C, at the Intel Developers Forum in Palm Springs, Feb. 23 and 24.
"We are proud to be a part of the Phoenix SecureAgent architecture," said Michael D'Amour, CEO of Veridicom. "This is one more example of the acceptance of Veridicom's fingerprint authentication technology into the PC security model." Veridicom, Inc., a Lucent Technologies spin-off and the leader in silicon-based fingerprint authentication solutions, has developed a compact version of its image capture and verification code suitable for BIOS implementation.
"With the growth of e-commerce and the increasing reliance on storing sensitive data on computer systems, the need for sophisticated system security and privacy is critical," said Laurent Gharda, vice president of marketing for Phoenix. "Phoenix is now on the security forefront by providing T-Zero security foundation software to OEMs for inclusion in next generation systems."
About Phoenix
Phoenix Technologies is the world's leading supplier of standards-based foundation software and semiconductor IP for computers, information appliances and other connected information platforms.
Phoenix software products are fundamental to the operation of hundreds of millions of electronic devices in use each day, including PCs, peripherals, mobile communications devices, telecommunications switches, consumer electronics products, industrial controllers and Internet appliances.
Phoenix's solutions enable OEMs to reduce time-to-market and increase product differentiation, while optimizing their engineering resources by licensing the Company's advanced software and integration services.
Founded in 1979, Phoenix Technologies Ltd. is a publicly traded international company headquartered in San Jose, Calif., USA. Information about Phoenix Technologies and its products is available at www.phoenix.com.
Note to Editors: Phoenix Technologies and SecureAgent are trademarks and Phoenix is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
--30--mr/sf* aj/dl/dc/sf
CONTACT:
Phoenix Technologies Ltd., San Jose
Toni Goodrich, 408/570-1000
toni_goodrich@phoenix.com
or
Walt & Company Communications
Kristin Jones, 408/496-0900
kjones@walt.com
|
