• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

SafeNet Introduces the World's Most Secure Software Protection Token; Sentinel Delivers Government-Grade Security Through Public Key Cryptography, AES, and Internal Authentication

Posted on: Tuesday, 13 September 2005, 03:01 CDT

SafeNet, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFNT), setting the standard for information security, today announced the launch of Sentinel Hardware Keys, a software rights management token that protects software vendors from unauthorized use or distribution of their products. Sentinel software protection devices, when attached to a computer or network, monitor and enforce the licensing of products which have been protected using this solution. Sentinel Hardware Keys are the first and only hardware tokens to incorporate public key cryptography, AES encryption and internal authentication. The result is an ultra-secure hardware token that still offers the highly flexible licensing for which the SafeNet Sentinel product line is known.

"SafeNet has a long standing history of providing the strongest security products that evolve into industry standards. Our VPN software, SoftRemote became the de facto standard for secure remote access and is used by millions of people. Our hardware appliances, which are FIPS certified, are used by top-notch financial, government and commercial institutions, and our top-secret government grade products have leading market share within U.S. Government organizations--we are now delivering that government-grade security to the new Sentinel tokens," said Tony Caputo, CEO and Chairman for SafeNet. "Sentinel will continue our tradition of delivering the strongest security products to a variety of markets."

This product was developed to combat the continually evolving threat of software piracy, which is more widespread and more sophisticated than ever before. Interconnected communities of software hackers armed with more advanced tools are forcing software vendors to upgrade and adapt their protection schemes to try to keep pace. Sentinel Hardware Keys were developed by security experts to employ an advanced set of defenses against attack.

One significant area of vulnerability has been in the communications between the hardware token and the application. These "middle layer" attacks attempt to discover the nature of the data being exchanged and then reproduce or "emulate" the message from the hardware token. Sentinel uses public key cryptography to generate unique session keys that are then used to encrypt the communications. Because the key generation and encryption algorithms being used are highly secure and unique for each session, these middle layer attacks are effectively stopped.

Other types of attacks attempt to "dump", or gain access to, the contents of the hardware key in order to create a software-based copy, or "clone", which can then be used to illegally enable the application. Sentinel Hardware Keys employ both high-level encryption of the key contents and internal authentication, which prevents cloning--even during the manufacturing process.

"We are excited to offer our customers this revolutionary hardware token. Sentinel provides our customers with both powerful licensing options as well as a potent weapon in the war against software piracy," said Prakash Panjwani, Vice President and General Manager for SafeNet's Rights Management Business Unit. "Sentinel's unique use of advanced security measures means that our customers will have the most secure hardware token protecting their assets."

Sentinel Hardware Keys Features

Secure Communication

Sentinel Hardware Keys are the most secure hardware token available in the world. Both public key cryptography and 128-bit AES encryption are used to secure communications between the key and the protected application. In addition, the keys include internal authentication, which effectively prevents cloning of the keys.

Rapid Implementation - Sentinel Business Layer APIs(TM)

By using Sentinel Business Layer APIs(TM), developers can obtain the highest level of security and control over sophisticated license designs without spending time on lower level programming. These tools typically reduce the programming time required to secure a new application by up to 60% or more compared to other hardware key solutions.

Simplified Updates and Activation - Logical Addressing

Sentinel Hardware Key High Level APIs also include Logical Addressing which allows developers to add or change implementations without being concerned about specific memory address usage. This greatly speeds development time as well as reducing risk of error from overwriting information in memory cells.

Added Protection - Sentinel Shell

The Sentinel Shell offers a way to quickly add protection to your application without requiring any alteration to the source code. When used in conjunction with API level integrations, the Shell enhances overall security by adding multiple layers to thwart hacking attempts.

Secure Time-Based Licensing - Sentinel V-Clock(TM)

The Sentinel Hardware Key V-Clock allows you to reliably and securely offer time-based license models such as trial, demo or subscription. Sentinel V-Clock comes standard with Sentinel Keys and requires no on-board battery, effectively preventing time tampering without added costs.

Secure Distribution - Sentinel Distributor Keys(TM)

Sentinel Hardware Keys allow you to carefully control and regulate your distribution channels through the use of Distributor Keys. You can assign and securely imbed encryption keys during the manufacturing process in order to control the creation of licenses through your channels.

Secure Remote Updates

Sentinel technology allows ISVs to send updates or additional licenses to keys in the field in a secure, controlled manner. Updates are sent using the same high level of security as communications between the hardware token and the software application.

Protect Multiple Applications

Sentinel Hardware Keys allow you to protect multiple applications with a single token. You can even add protection for additional applications at a later date without altering the existing security structure.

High Memory Availability

Sentinel Hardware Keys V-Cell technology optimizes memory availability, so that developers can easily and flexibly access all available memory on the token to store data and secure applications.

Multiple Environments and Platforms

Sentinel Hardware Keys provide you with the ability to protect applications created in numerous development environments. With Sentinel you can support your application on multiple operating platforms with a single development effort, further reducing development time and cost.

Licensing Across Networks

The network version of Sentinel Hardware Keys protects client-server applications and provides server monitoring to track license usage on the network. Sentinel Keys empower network administrators to cancel licenses in order to redistribute among users or revoke idle licenses.

About SafeNet, Inc.

SafeNet is a global leader in information security. Founded more than 20 years ago, the company provides complete security utilizing its encryption technologies to protect communications, intellectual property and digital identities, and offers a full spectrum of products including hardware, software, and chips. ARM, Bank of America, NetGear, the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, Adobe, Samsung, Texas Instruments, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and scores of other customers entrust their security needs to SafeNet. For more information, visit www.safenet-inc.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

The statements contained in this release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are subject to uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are included but are not limited to those listed in SafeNet's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations.

Editor's Note: SafeNet is a registered trademark of SafeNet, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category