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

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

  • Report: Cyber Attackers Continue to Turn to AI-Based Tools to Avoid Detection

    Comcast Business recently released its 2025 Cybersecurity Threat Report, a comprehensive analysis of 34.6 billion cybersecurity events detected between June 1,2024 and May 31, 2025. Now in its third year, the report offers business leaders a unique perspective into the evolving threat landscape and provides actionable insights to help organizations strengthen their defenses and align cybersecurity with business risk. Read Now

  • Axis Communications Creates AI-powered Video Surveillance Orchestra

    What if cameras could not only see the world, but interpret it—and respond like orchestra musicians reading sheet music: instantly, precisely, and in perfect harmony? That’s what global network technology leader Axis Communications set to find out. Read Now

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
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.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.