Identity, Security, Payments, Biometrics, Smart Cards and Authentication News

MXI Security enables encryption of portable security devices

Monday, May 4, 2009

MXI Security announced the release of ACCESS CAC/PIV, a security solution enabling the U.S. government Personal Identity Verification card (PIV) infrastructure to securely access personal portable security devices (PPSDs).

ACCESS CAC/PIV combines CAC/PIV smart card-based certificate authentication with biometric and password authentication and provides up to three factor authentication to encrypt USB drives. The product works with MXI Security’s FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated Stealth MXPTM Passport, Stealth MXPTM Bio, and Outbacker MXPTM Bio.


An organization’s existing FIPS 201 infrastructure and the smart cards in hands of personnel are all that is required. Device key management is tied to the PKI encryption key on the user’s smart card, password controls can be set in accordance with existing government standards.

The Stealth MXP Passport and Stealth MXP Bio product families range from 1GB to 32GB capacity USB flash devices. The Outbacker MXP Bio product family includes 80GB to 500GB capacity USB hard disk devices. These devices enable organizations to securely store sensitive information, applications, and digital identity credentials. All are available in a FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated version. [end] 

Web security provider Zvelo has uncovered a way crack the Google Wallet PIN security feature.

Using an app called “Wallet Cracker,” Zvelo was able to expose the PIN of a Google Wallet account without entering a single invalid attempt – five invalid attempts and the wallet locks out.

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The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has certified Good Technology’s secure Android OS-based platform (Secure Android), which enables the Global Information Grid to use Good’s Good for Government mobile device management and data loss prevention capabilities.

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A state audit found that personal and financial information for students considering attending the University of Maryland were stored on publicly accessible servers that could make students easy prey to ID thieves.

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Atlanta-based Echoworx, a credential management and managed encryption service provider, has opened up its Security Cloud to the industry at large, including MDMs, MEAPs, cloud services and other organization. By plugging into the cloud, they can enable PKI integration across multiple platforms and devices.

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Using smart phones for online banking and shopping has been promoted as the next big thing, but adoption has been slow, partly due to the fact that smart phones have security issues. Scientific American reports that this might change with the development of quantum cryptography.

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Biometric Associates has released its baiMobile 3000MP Bluetooth Smart Card Reader, which is designed specifically for mobile platforms. It supports iOS 4.x for iPhone and iPad and Android OS 2.2 and higher, and it operates with Bluetooth version 2.1 and higher.

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