Cryptography Research points to leading Dutch security firm TNO ITSEF as an evaluator of new advanced DPA testing program for smart cards
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., November 14, 2005 – Cryptography Research, Inc. (CRI), a worldwide leader in security systems, today announced that the company has accredited the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research-ITSEF (TNO ITSEF) as an independent testing lab to conduct evaluations for the DPA Countermeasure Validation Program. The new program, designed to help chip purchasers and smart card customers identify devices with effective security, involves independent testing of products to evaluate their resistance to Differential Power Analysis (DPA) attacks.
TNO ITSEF is the first security evaluation facility to be accredited by CRI to conduct testing under its new DPA Countermeasure Validation Program. Through this program, licensed users of CRI’s DPA countermeasure technology will have the right to display the DPA Lock certification mark in connection with products that qualify under the tests conducted by TNO ITSEF. Products displaying the DPA Lock give customers assurance that the chip or card is both licensed and contains tested countermeasures.
“We are pleased to accredit TNO ITSEF as one of the DPA Countermeasure Validation Program’s independent security evaluation laboratories”, said Ken Warren, Smart Card Business Manager, Europe. “TNO ITSEF is recognized worldwide for having the very highest standards in security testing and offers its customers the industry-level rigor and quality this program requires”.
“We are delighted to be working with leading security experts, such as CRI, in this vital area of smart card protection,” said Jan Pieters, CEO from TNO ITSEF. “Defining the scope of evaluation to include more thorough DPA testing will further improve confidence in the security value of smart cards”.
Smart cards and other cryptographic devices can be vulnerable to DPA attacks, which can reveal secret keys. Effective countermeasures are required to prevent payment cards, ID cards, and other devices from fraud and abuse. The DPA Countermeasure Validation Program includes a suite of tests specifically designed to analyze the effectiveness of a devices’ DPA countermeasures. Only a select number of the world’s most capable testing labs are expected to be approved to participate.
About Cryptography Research, Inc.
Cryptography Research, Inc. provides technology to solve complex security problems. In addition to security evaluation and applied engineering work, CRI is actively involved in long-term research in areas including tamper resistance, content protection, network security and financial services. The company has a broad portfolio of patents covering countermeasures to differential power analysis and other vulnerabilities, and is committed to helping companies produce secure smart cards and other tamper resistant devices. Security systems designed by Cryptography Research engineers annually protect more than $100 billion of commerce for wireless, telecommunications, financial, digital television and Internet industries. For additional information or to arrange a consultation with a member of the technical staff, please contact Ken Warren at +44 1494 680 602, or visit www.cryptography.com. About TNO ITSEF BV
TNO ITSEF is an independent trust organization in the Netherlands that has conducted security evaluations for more than three decades. Evaluations are carried out under Common Criteria or various other globally recognized security schemes.
The mission of TNO ITSEF is to be a partner of its clients by supporting them in their IT security processes through security evaluations, support, tools and training. With a world-wide reputation for excellence, TNO ITSEF often works on projects in the banking, defense, Pay TV, payment terminal and chip industry and supports national and international companies on the impact and consequences of security evaluations.
For additional information, please contact Pascal van Gimst at gimst@itsef.com, or visit www.itsef.com.