RSA breaks out new security tools
The tools allow software developers to build secure communications and e-commerce applications for the Net, corporate intranets, and extranets.
The tools allow software developers to build secure communications and e-commerce applications such as Internet EDI or email for the Net, corporate intranets, and extranets. Formerly known as S/Mail, the security toolkit has been renamed BSafe S/Mime-C 2.0.
RSA's announcement comes amid a flurry of Internet security announcements timed for this week's Internet World trade show in New York. Also unveiling news for the show are Security-7 for blocking malicious mobile code, Secure Computing for a new version of its firewall software and NetNanny, for its BioPassword software that measures an individual's personal keystroke rhythm while typing a password for access control.
RSA's toolkit enables server-to-server communications for e-commerce, supports digital certificates and public key infrastructure software via LDAP directories, and can import cryptographic keys or certificates from other applications.
BSafe S/Mime-C is available now as a software development kit for $295. Runtime licenses for products and support using the tools are available on a royalty, per-seat, or annual fee basis.
Tomorrow Net Nanny is scheduled to release its patented BioPassword software for biometric access control technology, which has been in testing since August. The software measures each person's keystroke rhythm while typing a password to authenticate users. Unlike other biometric technologies, it requires no special hardware.
Initially, BioPassword will be offered through a COM-based software development kit so developers can build it into other security applications. The company also plans its own log-in and document security software for consumers and will incorporate the software in its own URL-filtering products.
The technology also can be used in any device with a keyboard or keypad including ATMs, phones, and keyboard locks.
The technology will also be available through the OEM channel and through downloads from the company's Web site. BioPassword currently runs on Windows 95, 98, and Windows NT with plans to deploy it for Windows CE.
Security-7's SafeGate 2.0 is a gateway product that checks Internet-applications and services for malicious code before letting them onto a network. The product examines incoming traffic from the Internet for malicious Java applets, ActiveX components, JavaScript, Jscript, and VBScript.
"Our philosophy is to enable new enterprise applications that require mobile code running across the network," said Security-7's Dave McNamara. "We enable what's important and we'll block the rest."
By inspecting each potentially harmful piece of code at the gateway, SafeGate 2.0 allows only approved programs onto the enterprise network. Security managers set policies to allow trusted Web applications onto the network while keeping potentially damaging code out.
SafeGate 2.0, designed to complement firewalls, differs from competitive offerings that block all unidentified mobile code by selectively allowing trusted software into an enterprise, McNamara said. Security-7 also is the first mobile-code software vendor to join Microsoft's security partners program.
SafeGate 2.0 is available now and prices begin at $4,000. It runs on Windows NT, but Unix versions are under development.
Secure Computing's version 4.0 of its Sidewinder firewall integrates the latest virtual private network standards for IPsec encryption. Pricing starts at $6,900 for 100 users; an unlimited-user license is $19,900.