New Crypto Engines From Trusted Information Systems Allow Easy International Use of Strong Encryption

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01-28-97. Business Wire:

New Crypto Engines From Trusted Information Systems Allow Easy International Use of Strong Encryption

San Francisco -- Trusted Information Systems today announced plans to release its new RecoverKey(TM) CSP and RecoverKey-International(TM) CSP cryptographic service provider products. The new RecoverKey- International(TM) CSP will allow Windows(R) 95 and Windows NT(R) users to secure their information by calling on the strongest crypto engine that has ever been made available worldwide.

The new products work with the Microsoft Windows operating system to allow the use of strong cryptography across applications, much like Windows' Print Manager allows the use of the same printer for different programs. With the RecoverKey CSPs, any application that calls for the use of encryption can encrypt data using algorithms such as DES, Triple-DES, or 128-bit RC2 or RC4. The CSPs also allow key recovery, using TIS's patented RecoverKey technology.

"This product will allow Windows users to use encryption as easily as they use a mouse," said Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cryptographic Products Homayoon Tajalli. "The combination of ease of use, proven exportability, and the ability to employ both very strong encryption and -- at the users discretion -- key recovery make this a vital advance."

The RecoverKey-International CSP meets U.S. export requirements, allowing it to be distributed globally, due to its automatic use of the key recovery function. The domestic version of the CSP, available in the U.S. and Canada, provides key recovery as an option, requiring its use only when communicating with a RecoverKey-International CSP. Having domestic and international versions that can communicate with each other is a unique and important capability.

"Previously, if developers wanted to use encryption in their products, they had to consider writing two different versions, dealing with changing export regulations, and so on," said Tajalli. "Now, they can write one version of the program and sell it worldwide, knowing that the CSP will handle the encryption legally and safely."

Microsoft recently announced the domestic availability of its enhanced base CSP, which provides the same encrypting strength as TIS' RecoverKey CSP. This CSP will be fully interoperable with TIS' domestic RecoverKey CSP.

TIS anticipates the cost of its CSPs, which will begin shipping this quarter, will be less than $100.

About Trusted Information Systems, Inc.

Trusted Information Systems, Inc., is a leading provider of comprehensive security solutions for protection of computer networks, including global Internet-based systems, internal networks, and individual workstations and laptops. The Company develops, markets, licenses, and supports the Gauntlet(R) family of firewall products and other network security products as well as TIS' patented RecoverKey(TM) technology, which is the first and only key recovery system to meet US government requirements for export. In addition to providing leading edge information security products, TIS performs an array of services in the areas of cryptography, security consulting, training, and advanced research and engineering for commercial and government customers. The TIS homepage on the World Wide Web is www.tis.com