Koolspan

Mobile Computing Security Topics

ksadmin — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:33:05 +0000

Today it is common for employees to bring their own devices into the workplace. Competitors and adversaries may be listening and reading your employee’s text messages. Your organization should understand the implications of this and be able to answer the question: How do we facilitate a satisfactory work environment while ensuring we are not opening ourselves up to greater risks?

Solving mobile phone security is a straightforward process and Koolspan’s partner, intiGrow, has laid out many of the considerations surrounding secure enterprise management in their Mobile Computing Security Topics white paper.The white paper is a free download and was written with the non-technical reader in mind.

Fox Business Segment – How To Prevent Phone Tapping with Mobile Encryption

Gregg Smith — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:47:26 +0000

Gregg Smith, Koolspan CEO, appeared on Fox Business After the Bell on Friday June 7, 2013 to discuss how to prevent your phone from being tapped. Gregg discussed the benefits of using KoolSpan’s TrustChip in your smartphone for encrypting all your conversations. You can view the segment - How can you prevent Phone Tapping on the Fox Business site.

Chinese Hackers and Cyber-Espionage: The New Normal for U.S. Corporations

Gregg Smith — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:00:20 +0000

It has been widely reported that Chinese hackers recently compromised an alarming number of U.S. weapons systems. But perhaps the more alarming fact, which has not received enough media attention, is the fact that China’s attacks are increasingly targeting U.S. corporations at an unprecedented rate.

“China is two-thirds of the intellectual property theft problem, and we are at a point where it is robbing us of innovation to bolster their own industry, at a cost of millions of jobs,” said Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., the former ambassador to China, regarding a report released on May 22 by the private Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property, an organization he helps lead.

In advance of President Obama’s meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping this past weekend in California, lawmakers strongly urged Obama to make it clear that the U.S. is ready to "impose real costs" on China should they continue to loot our intellectual property through cyber-espionage.

The Cyber Executive Order – a policy document issued by the White House in February – declares that the federal government will share best practices and technologies to thwart such attacks among critical infrastructures. While that’s great for government entities and sensitive infrastructure, it doesn’t cover organizations, such as professional services firms and IP-centric start-ups that are some of the most highly targeted companies by hackers.

As we continue to shift from using only PCs to using network-connected devices and smartphones, which total more than one billion, businesses and governments are becoming the next big target for security breaches. Yet, less than 3 percent of smartphones have some form of mobile security installed, leaving them vulnerable to hacking, voice and data eavesdropping and network infiltration.

Sprint Nextel and Japan's SoftBank reached a deal with U.S. authorities on national security aspects of its upcoming merger deal. The unusual mandate, for which the government will also establish a four-member oversight committee to make sure the companies abide by their national security promises, lends credence to the rise of mobile as a target amidst growing fears of Chinese espionage.

While actions of the government on the matter are important, the key players in this game are entrenched in the private sector. As Booze Allen Hamilton noted in its 2012 report, Cyber Theft of Corporate Intellectual Property, “the theft of a single piece of property has the potential to destroy the competitive advantage a company has built up over decades.”

While ultimately combating cyber espionage will require public and private collaboration, companies must take their heads out of the sand, recognize the growing threat and take ownership of solutions - ensuring they vet the best security solutions available to meet the emerging cyber espionage threats that are quickly becoming the “new normal” in corporate America.

Click here to learn more about how KoolSpan’s TrustChip technology can thwart cyber attacks from China and elsewhere through its patented hardware-anchored encryption technology.

Why The Difference of Opinion on Cyber Threats?

JD Jack — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:24:17 +0000

Despite the rash of recent high profile cyber attacks, a clear difference of opinion remains on the potential danger of cyber threats. Some individuals, governmental agencies, and organizations stress the growing threat of cyber attacks. Others have not yet fully grasped this reality and either by underestimation or lack of relevant knowledge, believe there is no greater danger now than there ever was.

How can these two contradictory conclusions be drawn for the same set of facts? Well, the truth is that there is no one set of facts. In fact, given our current system of classification, some organizations are blissfully (or dangerously) unaware of the number or scale of cyber threats to which we as a country are exposed.

Having worked in the federal government for many years, I know that agencies tend to categorize every discussion, including e-mails, as classified. It becomes standard to label these discussions as secret or confidential, without any real thought behind the sensitivity of the material.

Once information pertaining to a cyber attack or data breach is stamped with this classification, private-sector contractors have a difficult time obtaining information on these cyber threats. The intelligence is usually classified for a minimum of ten years.

Without knowing this classified information, it’s very difficult for companies to truly understand the prevalence and gravity of the cyber threat. Even with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, the details are extremely difficult to obtain; and that FOIA request takes time, sometimes years, to be completed. At that point it is too late to do anything about the initial or subsequent threats.

Government Policies Kick Start Discussion on Cyber

The Executive Order on Cybersecurity is a chance to open the lines of communication between government and the private sector. It aims to have agencies, companies, and system integrators address the issue’s significance.

As private contractors and government agencies continue to work together, their communication needs to address cyber security. And this includes, perhaps, modifying the current codes, norms or procedures for classification. When the target is no longer just the government, the government needs to provide sensitive information to the private sector in a more expedient manner. Cooperation and coordination, not classification, will be the keys to thwarting the cyber threats we most certainly face.

Washington Business Journal

ksadmin — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:42:42 +0000

5.16.13

KoolSpan lands Samsung's security arm …

S-1 Corporation Selects KoolSpan Technology to Power New Mobile Security Offering

ksadmin — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:12:43 +0000

S-1 Corporation to Integrate KoolSpan Hardware-Based Security and Encryption Solutions in Leading Mobile Phone Manufacturer’s Smartphones

Bethesda, Md. and Seoul, South Korea — May 15, 2013

S-1 Corporation, a global leader in mobile security, has signed a multi-year strategic partnership with KoolSpan Inc., developer of a suite of patented hardware-based mobile security applications that provide the highest level of security and encryption, enabling businesses, enterprises, financial professionals, governments and individuals to protect against increasing threats to mobile voice communications and data assets.

Under the agreement, KoolSpan’s security and encryption platform, TrustChip®, will power S-1’s SafeTalk™ suite of services including voice, text and file security. The new security suite is available today through S-1 Corporation across many smartphones, including Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II.

“The transition to a data-centric mobile network has fundamentally altered the way we perceive and deal with mobile security and it is a top-of-mind concern for us as well as our customers,” said Youn Sung-shick, senior vice president of S-1 Corporation. “KoolSpan provides a level of mobile security unparalleled in the marketplace and with its technology anchoring our new SafeTalk™ offerings, we provide the ability to essentially transform standard mobile networks into a secure infrastructure.”

KoolSpan’s TrustChip® is a self-contained, secure, military-grade, microSD encryption engine. TrustChip® serves as the hardware anchor for the company’s TrustCall and TrustText secure encryption applications for safe and secure voice calls and text messaging.

“As a global leader in mobile security integration, S-1 Corporation, continues to set new standards for mobile design, technology and innovation,” said Gregg Smith, CEO of KoolSpan. “Having our technology designated as the core of its new secure mobile offering for customers as well as its own employees, is a testament to the inherent value of our technology to solve evolving mobile security challenges.”

TrustChip’s® TrustSDK, which is FIPS 140-2 validated, enables developers to encrypt voice, text and data in a multi-platform ecosystem in order to execute security requirements.

S-1 Corporation’s new offering also includes managed security services through TrustCenter, the KoolSpan secure hardware and key management system.

For more information on how to secure your organization’s voice and data communications, please visit www.koolspan.com.

About KoolSpan:
KoolSpan, Inc. develops hardware-based encryption and security applications to protect data and voice communications over network-connected devices. The foundation for KoolSpan encryption is TrustChip®, a hardware-based security platform delivered through a secure microSD processor. It protects connected devices including cell phones, office network phones, laptops, tablets, PCs, desktop phones and servers. With 17 patents underlying its technology, KoolSpan offers communications security to companies and government agencies worried about loss or theft of intellectual property, vital information and proprietary assets. TrustChip’s TrustSDK is FIPS 140-2 validated and deployed in more than 50 countries. KoolSpan is a privately held and based in Bethesda, Md.

About S-1:
S-1 is a Samsung affiliated company headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. S-1 is the leading security product and services company in Korea with a focus on becoming the leading global system integrator of mobile security. # # #

Finalists Selected for 13th Annual Maryland Incubator Company of the Year Awards

ksadmin — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:25:37 +0000

23 Finalists Chosen from Maryland’s Incubators; Winners to be Announced at Awards Ceremony on June 13

Columbia, MD. – April 24, 2013

The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), Lonza Group LTD, McGladrey LLP, Millennial Media, Saul Ewing LLP, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and the BioMaryland Center announced today 23 finalists for the 13th Annual Maryland Incubator Company of the Year Awards. The awards recognize the achievements of current and graduate companies within Maryland’s incubators. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at 6:00 p.m. at the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore on June 13, 2013.

“Maryland’s network of incubators continues to provide entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed,” said Rob Rosenbaum, president and executive director of TEDCO. “The Incubator Company of the Year Awards is an opportunity to celebrate the strength of that network and the emerging businesses and technologies that it supports. TEDCO congratulates this year’s outstanding group of finalists.”

The finalists and incubators are as follows:

ADASHI Systems (ETC) – www.adashisystems.com
Biologics Resources LLC (GIC) – www.biologicsresources.com
Blue Wave Semiconductors, Inc. (UMBC) – www.bluewavesemi.com
Boss Medical LLC (ETC) – www.boss-medical.com
Clear Guide Medical (JHU) – www.clearguidemedical.com
Creatv MicroTech, Inc. (SGIC) – www.creatvmicrotech.com
Curiosityville (ETC) – www.curiosityville.com
DSPlogic, Inc. (GIC) – www.dsplogic.com
GCC Technologies LLC (GIEC) – www.gcctechllc.com
KoolSpan (UMBC) – www.koolspan.com
Light Point Security (UMBC) – www.lightpointsecurity.com
Maryland Energy and Sensor Technologies LLC (MTECH) – www.energysensortech.com
Mosaic Power (FITC, MCE) – www.mosaicpower.com
Plasmonix, Inc. (UMBC) – www.plasmonixinc.com
Rehabtics (ETC) – www.rehabtics.com
Riskive (Betamore) – www.riskive.com
Foodem.com / RKA Enterprises LLC (ETC) – www.foodem.com
Savenia Labs (BGBI) – www.savenialabs.com
Social Growth Technologies, Inc. (MCE) – www.socialgrowthtechnologies.com
SOL VISTA (SSIC) – www.solvista.com
Unbound Concepts, Inc. (MCE) – www.unboundconcepts.com
Vasoptic Medical, Inc. (MCE) – www.vasopticmedical.com
Vertical Wind Ventures LLC (BBIC) – www.verticalwindventures.com

“As a founding partner of The Incubator Company of the Year Awards, McGladrey is thrilled to congratulate a group of finalists that truly demonstrates the breadth of entrepreneurial talent in Maryland,” said Brian Merritt, partner at McGladrey LLP. “Incubators allow these emerging companies to thrive, and we are proud to recognize the successes of these businesses with our annual awards program.”

“Incubators grow Maryland’s economy and support innovation,” said Phil Bogart, an attorney at Saul Ewing LLP. “Saul Ewing applauds The Incubator Company of the Year Award finalists, who are developing some incredible technologies. We look forward to watching these companies grow.”

Application finalists and category winners are chosen by a group of regional industry leaders and early-stage investors. The selection committee this year includes Henry Ahn, TEDCO; Jacque L. Allen, Saul Ewing LLP; Meg Anderson, Oracle Capital Strategies; Gianna J. Arnold, Saul Ewing LLP; Donna R. Balinkie, Firedrive Marketing Group, LLC; Philip Morris Bogart, Saul Ewing LLP; Chris Brandenberg, Millennial Media, Inc.; Mary F. Brightman, Saul Ewing LLP; Rebecca Carland, Goldman, Sachs & Co.; Brian Castleberry, Maryland DBED; Joey Tsu-Yi Chen, Saul Ewing LLP; Jonathan Cohen, Saul Ewing LLP; Chris College, TEDCO; Martha J. Connolly, Maryland Industrial Partnerships; Charles P. Cullen, Grotech Ventures; Brian Darmody, University of Maryland, College Park; Ronald C. Diegelman, Red Bridge Associates, LLC; Randy Domolky, TEDCO; Robb Doub, New Markets Venture Partners; E.J. Edelman, McGladrey; Donald W. Fallon; Yair Flicker, SmartLogic Solutions; John Fortin Lonza America Inc.; David J. Freschman, Innovation Capital Advisors; Yali Friedman; Umar Hadeed; Rosel Halle; Kathryn L. Hickey, Saul Ewing LLP; Jack P. Hollerbach, Hollerbach & Associates LLC; Konstantina M. Katcheves, Lonza America Inc.; Don Mallon, Emergent BioSolutions; Lenard Marcus, Edison Venture Fund; Scott McCadden, McGladrey LLP; Robbie Melton, TEDCO; Brian S. Meritt, McGladrey LLP; Eric Nass, Chesapeake Corporate Advisors; Eric G. Orlinsky, Saul Ewing LLP; Heather Pruger, Saul Ewing LLP; Anthony R. Raley, Silicon Valley Bank; Robert Rosenbaum, TEDCO; Michael L. Salgaller, SAIC; Paul Silber, Blu Venture Investors, LLC; Kyp Sirinakis, Rock Spring Ventures LP; Jae Sly, Strategic BioPharm Consulting, Inc.; Brian H. Taylor, Growing Company Solutions, Inc.; and Patrick Tonui, Maryland DBED.

Incubator Key: Betamore, Baltimore; Bethesda Green Business Incubator (BGBI), Bethesda; Bowie Business Innovation Center (BBIC), Bowie; bwtech@UMBC at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Catonsville; Emerging Technology Center (ETC), Baltimore; FastForward at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Baltimore; Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITC), Frederick; Garrett Information Enterprise Center (GIEC), McHenry; Germantown Innovation Center (GIC), Germantown; Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship (MCE), Columbia; Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (MTECH) at University of Maryland, College Park; Rockville Innovation Center (RIC), Rockville; Shady Grove Innovation Center (SGIC), Rockville; and Silver Spring Innovation Center (SSIC), Silver Spring.

Visit www.mdincubatoraward.com for more information.

How To Stop Cyber Attacks From China

JD Jack — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:44:52 +0000

War is a means of influence the government can leverage to stem cyber attacks from foreign enemies. While this is always a last course of action for any cyber attacks, full counter measures must remain an option. In the extreme, there’s a traditional, physical conflict. But the government also has offensive cyber capabilities. Recent U.S. government efforts to minimize trade theft highlight these capabilities.

The Carrot and the Stick

The new steps announced by the White House in the Executive Order on Cybersecurity encourages the FBI to assess threats and provide corporations with information on potential cyber threats. This “stick” is used to punish countries that attempt cyber attacks. The government can empower corporations to create and utilize technologies that will help to thwart cyber threats they wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

While not outlined in the Executive Order, the government could also economically incentivize good cyber conduct by other countries. Promises of non-compete trade status to nations who disavow cyber attacks could be a “carrot” too good for many countries to pass up. As countries such as China grow more dependent on foreign markets, they will have to make a choice: continue cyber attacks or be hit with trade sanctions.

Cybersecurity Executive Order a Step in the Right Direction

Gregg Smith — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:00:13 +0000

The recent executive order on cybersecurity gives me hope of greater government and private sector collaboration to keep America’s cyber infrastructure safe.

The executive order states, “It is the policy of the United States Government to increase the volume, timeliness, and quality of cyber threat information shared with U.S. private sector entities so that these entities may better protect and defend themselves against cyber threats.”

This information sharing is critical to securing our cyber future. The government has the intelligence ability to alert private businesses about the cyber threats, both imminent and existential, they face.

Businesses that have been breached need to alert the government and work collaboratively to investigate the origins of the hack. Without sharing this information, the government cannot act diplomatically or with force to prevent other such attacks.

Critics of public/private collaboration have said that it may leave the US government more vulnerable to attacks. Private enterprises have been hacked in the past and there is concern that collaboration would open a back door to hacking the government.

To effectively share information, new avenues of communication will have to be established between government and industry, possibly opening new avenues for hackers exploit. While this is a possibility, the government is already exposed to hacks through similar communications mediums. If collaboration opened any new threats, they would be miniscule compared to the benefit gained from collaboration.

From the Transcontinental Railroad to the creation of the Internet, many of America’s greatest accomplishments have been public/private collaborations. We need another such effort to ensure our cybersecurity future.

iPhone Voice Encryption from KoolSpan and DeviceFidelity

ksadmin — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:46:32 +0000

TrustChip microSD pairs with iCaisse technology to form TrustSleeve for the iPhone

Bethesda, MD. – March 11, 2013

KoolSpan Inc., developer of the TrustChip® family of plug-in mobile security solutions, has entered into technology licensing and product supply agreement with DeviceFidelity Inc., makers of the patented iCaisse family of products for iPhone, to create TrustSleeve. TrustSleeve offers the first ever microSD-based voice encryption for the iPhone.

The combination of a KoolSpan TrustChip microSD with a DeviceFidelity iCaisse4X protective case for the iPhone creates the TrustSleeve. TrustSleeve allows iPhone users to harness the security and FIPS 140-2 level encryption of the TrustChip for voice-encrypted conversations with the TrustCall application. Once the iPhone is inserted into the TrustSleeve, the TrustChip provides the hardware encryption required to conduct secure phone calls via the TrustCall app. To use TrustCall, users simply launch the mobile app, dial a number or select a contact, and hit “send.” Using TrustCall is as easy as making a regular call, but with the assurance sensitive information will not be intercepted or monitored by a third party.

“DeviceFidelity’s iCaisse provides the final piece of the iPhone security puzzle,” said Gregg Smith, KoolSpan’s CEO. “Hardware-based encryption provides a higher level of security than software alone. Apple has the most advanced accessory ecosystem in the world. iCaisse technology from DeviceFidelity provides KoolSpan the ability to extend its offering to millions of iOS users by seamlessly connecting the TrustChip microSD securely to the iPhone.”

TrustSleeve doubles as an extended battery for the iPhone by providing a removable 1200 mAh battery pack. This extends battery life up to 12 hours of talk or 13.5 hours of Internet use. “The iCaisse technology was designed to bring mobile security applications to iOS devices,” said DeviceFidelity CEO, Deepak Jain. “We’re delighted that KoolSpan can offer the exciting capabilities of their TrustChip on our iCaisse and to bring to market the first ever hardware-based voice encryption app for the iPhone.”

The TrustSleeve is currently available for the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4. TrustSleeve for iPhone 5 is expected in spring of 2013. For more information about voice encryption and mobile security for iPhone, please visit www.koolspan.com/iphonesecurity.

About KoolSpan
KoolSpan is the leading global provider of encrypted solutions for connected devices. The foundation for all KoolSpan solutions is the TrustChip®, a microSD‐based hardware token for mobile devices, laptops, tablets, and servers. Supported by a strong patent portfolio, KoolSpan offers a robust API for application developers and system integrators, as well as encrypted voice and text applications for wireless carriers, enterprise, and government deployments. The FIPS 140‐2 validated solution has been tested and deployed in 50 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.koolspan.com.

About DeviceFidelity
DeviceFidelity, Inc. develops plug-and-play technologies that empower a variety of institutions to deploy their services and applications on millions of mobile phones worldwide. Its patented CredenSE and In2Pay® microSD and iCaisse for iPhone solutions transform popular mobile phones into interactive contactless transaction devices. Committed to bringing contactless innovation to the mobile phone, the company launched moneto, the world’s first multi-platform mobile wallet in the US. DeviceFidelity is a private corporation with headquarters in Richardson (Texas) and offices in San Mateo (California), and Aix-En-Provence (France). For more information visit www.devicefidelity.com, follow us on Twitter @devicefidelity and at www.facebook.com/DeviceFidelity.

Media Contacts:
Adam Curtis
Abel Communications for KoolSpan
410-843-3822
adam@abelcommunications.com

Stephanie Barrueto
Marketing Director, DeviceFidelity, Inc.
marketing@devicefidelity.com