Biometric Associates Partners with SteelCloud to Deliver DoD-approved Bluetooth Headset

  • May 03, 2011

Biometric Associates LP, a provider of secure wireless communications devices, and SteelCloud Inc., a developer of secure mobility appliance and VMware solutions, have announced a partnership to market the first Bluetooth mobile headset approved for use by the Department of Defense.

BAL uses advanced 128-bit encryption, a randomly generated PIN, and other specialized firmware techniques to secure its Bluetooth products. The blueARMOR 100 headset is the only commercially available Bluetooth headset to pass all of the tests required by National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). The headset received DoD approval in the DISA mobility Security Technical Implementation Guide published last week.

DISA’s approval requires that the blueARMOR headset be paired with a BlackBerry device running Bluetooth version 2.1 or higher managed by BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5. SteelCloud’s SteelWorks FedMobile appliance and VMware solutions for BlackBerry, together with Fixmo’s Sentinel product, will incorporate the policies necessary to effectively secure the new Bluetooth capability.

“As those in our business are well aware, Bluetooth if not properly secured, creates significant vulnerabilities for hackers to penetrate a customer’s network,” said Brian Hajost, SteelCloud president, and CEO. “Biometric Associates LP provides products distinguished by superior security protection, as now proven though NSA’s testing and recognized by DISA and the Department of Defense. Since the blueARMOR 100 is the only approved Bluetooth headset for use within the DoD, we are optimistic about significant demand for BAL’s secure headset as our military leverages this new Bluetooth capability. We are excited by the synergies that we have now created with the recent alliances between BAL, SteelCloud and Fixmo.”

Douglas Kozlay, BAL president and CEO added that “This is a product that people have been requesting for several years. Eight states and most military bases prohibit cell phone use while driving. A Bluetooth headset is the obvious answer, but the security vulnerabilities of standard Bluetooth headsets have been well documented. We are pleased to offer a secure, hands free solution to both those in the military and those who desire military-grade security.”

Featured

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.