Utimaco and PrimeKey present joint solution for secure control of electronic passports

The first EAC-conform solution combines Utimaco’s SafeGuard CryptoServer with EJBCA – the OpenSource PKI from PrimeKey

Paris / Oberursel / Stockholm, November 4, 2008. Utimaco - The Data Security Company and the PKI-specialist, PrimeKey, present the first EAC- (Extended Access Control) conform public key infrastructure (PKI) solution for electronic passports at this year’s CARTES trade show (hall 3, stand C 038) in Paris. The seamless integration of Utimaco’s SafeGuard CryptoServer Hardware Security Module (HSM) protects the official key, which is used by PrimeKey’s PKI solution, EJBCA, when generating the certificates.

The joint solution fulfills all globally valid guidelines specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the general certificate policies for EAC-conform control infrastructures specified by the European Union. Utimaco is the leading provider of ICAO-compliant security components, which are mandatory around the world. The solution is used to issue certificates for electronic passports and control areas (Inspection System IS). It supports the use of the globally accepted Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), which is used for protecting travel documents.

“The Swedish Police Authority (Rikspolisstyrelsen) has been using the EAC-conform solution actively since the end of August this year”, explained Konstantin Papaxanthis, CEO of PrimeKey. “In order to ensure the sensitive information is protected in accordance with EAC guidelines at all times during the retrieval and comparison of the biometric data, the Swedish Police Authority relies on the expertise of Utimaco. SafeGuard CryptoServer, Utimaco’s Hardware Security Module, is used as the core component for the secure storage and usage of the official key,” continued Papaxanthis.

Based on the flexible OpenSource PKI, EJBCA, which is already being used in many countries for issuing electronic passports, the integrated solution offers a cost efficient and sustainable platform for the secure execution of official functions.

"Thanks to the successful partnership with PrimeKey and the integration of SafeGuard CryptoServer in PrimeKey’s OpenSource PKI, EJBCA, European authorities are already able to meet the requirements of the EAC guidelines and extend their existing infrastructures,“ explained Johannes Lintzen, Partner Sales Manager at Utimaco. He further pointed out that, “additional countries have already announced their interest in a similar cost-effective solution and have started the evaluation process.”

Additional information on the CARTES 2008 trade show, the world’s leading “Smartcard and Identity“ event, which will take place from the November 4 - 6 in Paris, can be obtained under www.cartes.com.

About PrimeKey Solutions AB
PrimeKey Solutions AB is a Swedish IT-security company with niched competence in information and system security and product development within Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and smart card appliances. PrimeKey’s vision is to provide state-of-the-art solutions that integrate with customer application environments. We help our customers and partners to solve concrete business needs in a cost-effective way, with strong emphasis on security issues. Our goal is to maintain and improve our position as leaders, in providing security solutions and services, by employing the resources at our disposal combined with our unique expertise.
www.primekey.se

About Utimaco Safeware AG – The Data Security Company.
Celebrating 25 years in business, Utimaco is a leading global provider of data security solutions, enabling mid- to large-size organizations to safeguard their data assets against intentional or accidental data loss, and to comply with privacy laws. Utimaco’s complete range of data security solutions provide full 360 degree data protection for data at rest, data in motion and data in use. Utimaco offers its customers comprehensive on-site support via a world-wide network of certified partners and subsidiaries. Utimaco Safeware AG, with headquarters in Oberursel, near Frankfurt, Germany, is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN DE0007572406). For more information please visit www.utimaco.com.

Additional information:
Utimaco Safeware AG – The Data Security Company.
http://www.utimaco.com/press
http://www.utimaco.com
Rieke Bönisch
Tel: +49 (0)6171 88 – 12 10
E-Mail: rieke.boenisch@utimaco.de

Media Contacts:
Version 2.0 Communications
Rob Halpin
Tel: +1 617-426-2222 ext. 112
E-mail: rhalpin@v2comms.com