BeCrypt Acquires Enhanced-Level Government Security Software In Multi-Million Pound Deal
BeCrypt, the leading UK encryption security company, has acquired the rights to Serco’s Data Sentry encryption software. The multi-million pound deal will ensure that BeCrypt can extend its provision of UK Government-approved encryption software to existing and new customers throughout the UK Government and defence contractors. Additionally the companies have agreed to work together for an initial three-year period on additional products and features which will form part of future BeCrypt product releases.
BeCrypt has acquired the Intellectual Property Rights to all of Serco’s Data Sentry software. This includes the commercial versions of the software as well as the UK Baseline and Enhanced Grade software that have been approved by the UK Government’s Information Assurance (IA) arm of GCHQ, the Communication Electronic Security Group (CESG – www.cesg.org.uk). The group runs the CESG Approved Product Scheme (CAPS) under which encryption products are cryptographically verified by CESG to Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) cryptographic standards and formally approved for use by the government and other appropriate organisations.
BeCrypt will integrate the software into the existing BeCrypt product range and distribute the software through selected BeCrypt Reseller and System Integrator Partners. The Serco Data Sentry Enhanced product will be renamed and sold as DISK Protect – Enhanced(tm) and sold alongside BeCrypt CESG-approved Baseline products DISK Protect(tm) and PDA Protect(tm). DISK Protect – Enhanced will run on the current Microsoft Operating Systems Windows NT, 2000 and XP.
DISK Protect – Enhanced will be the only CESG-approved software encryption solution available to handle protectively marked Enhanced (Secret and below) HMG data on computers running Microsoft Windows XP software.
“We are delighted to work with BeCrypt on the integration of the Data Sentry software into the BeCrypt Product line as they have proven themselves to be specialists in the provision of encryption software solutions to HMG customers,” said Ian Pigden – managing director, Serco Justice. “Working closely with BeCrypt and their distribution channels will enable even more UK Government departments to access a full range of CESG approved encryption products,” he continued. “BeCrypt’s expertise as the leading supplier of encryption products to HMG customers will be invaluable in extending the use and acceptance of Enhanced grade technology while giving HMG customers better choice in the market”.
BeCrypt and Serco have concluded an agreement that will ensure that existing Serco Data Sentry customers are not disadvantaged during the transfer of ownership of the software to BeCrypt. Serco will continue to take an active interest in the success of the Data Sentry technology and work with BeCrypt to ensure a successful software product integration program.
“BeCrypt is excited to work with market leaders Serco in the acquisition of the Data Sentry software,” said Peter Jaco, CEO of BeCrypt. “We are confident that this acquisition will work well for existing and new customers as we can now offer an extended range of encryption software solutions to protect critical UK Government data. Bringing together our encryption technology expertise with the proven path to market of our distribution partners means that a simpler solution exists for the protection of data for HMG customers who need to protect data from Sensitive through Baseline, to Enhanced Grade, all from a single CESG-approved security vendor.”