Simple is Smart

Security takes on a new perspective when looking at the IT side of the aisle. After my first day through the RSA Conference in San Francisco, I have to say Cherry’s FIPS 201 compliant keyboard makes simple look pretty smart.

The keyboard is where the authentication takes place, rather than, as Craig Kaliebe, the company’s marketing manager put it, “risking the PC to attack.” The authentication card simply slides in the designated spot on the keyboard, and voilà, authentication begins.

Cherry is part of ZF Electronics Corp., based in Pleasant Prairie, Wis.

Secure-pin entry is the safe transmission of the PIN of a chip card, or a smart card, from the user to the card without the data reaching the computer. The security pin is so important that it gives the user the right to read or write, and verify that you are the owner of the card. With the verification process taking place on the keyboard, the PIN will not be transferred to the PC, instead transmitted within the keyboard directly to the smart card.

So it is not possible to spy the PIN from the data line of the keyboard wire or with a keylogger on the PC.

I also enjoyed a briefing from DataLocker officials who showed off their secure, writeable DVD and compact disc. It combines AES 256-bit encryption and disc burning functionality, all self-contained on a recordable CD or DVD. It has its own built-in software for disc burning and government strength FIPS 140-2 AES 256-bit encryption.

The best part is that there is no software to install and no need for third-party applications. It gives users a simple, secure method to transport, share and archive sensitive data and records.

There is a lot of talk about clouds this year at RSA in San Francisco. I’m going cloud hunting tomorrow and hope to let you know what I find.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events
Most   Popular

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.