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Thales e-Security demonstrates innovative flexible secure communications system at JWID 2004

16 June 2004

JWID is an annual multi-national event to demonstrate and evaluate commercial technologies that improve joint, combined or coalition interoperability or that enhance C4I (Command Control Communication Computer & Information) ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) capability and information provision through the use of networked CIS. Thales e-Security will be at the event to display its UK-developed technology for dynamically securing ad hoc networks between security domains. As recognised within the MoD's Networked Enabled Capability (NEC) initiative, the need is growing for flexible cryptographic systems that will allow different forces to operate together securely at extremely short notice. The fourth annual JWID event highlights the fact this is required at both joint and international level. As such one of the principle aims of JWID 2004 is to examine systems which can be provided to a wide range of organisations involved with secure communications at short notice, and without the need for long planning cycles.

Thales e-Security's demonstration will show the use of soft-loaded IP cryptographic devices - the Datacryptor 2000 series - which when necessary are able to have their algorithms updated remotely. This is done through an on-demand secure IP communications service provisioning scheme which is controlled by a policy-based management system, allowing the specific parameters of the secure connection to be set extremely quickly. Therefore when secure communications need to be established with another party - for example linking a military system into those associated with homeland defence such as police - this can be done very simply without any new equipment or components having to be used. In addition, Thales e-Security will show how Datacryptor has the capability to allow less sensitive information to be communicated safely through highly secure networks.

This technique, known as secure reverse tunnelling, is extremely valuable as it dramatically reduces the number and variety of networks that an agency such as the MOD needs to operate. It means that an individual can be given access to a network for which the user does not have sufficient security clearance because that user will not be able to access any of the secure data. Paul Jackson, head of communications security at Thales e-Security, said: "This is our first demonstration at JWID. Our involvement underlines the increasing need to provide secure communications extremely quickly with a multitude of coalition forces around the world. This flexible response requires a solution that is secure, highly adaptable, technologically advanced and cost effective while at the same time has the adaptability to evolve with changing technologies and practices over time. We are confident that Thales e-Security's demonstration at JWID 2004 will show how such technology is both practicable and available today."

About JWID
The role of JWID is to demonstrate and evaluate new, evolving and commercially available low risk technologies that improve Joint, Combined or Coalition interoperability, or that enhance Command, Control, Communications and Computer Information (C4I)/ISTAR capability and information provision through the use of networked Communication Information Systems (CIS). JWID is a US-led programme with participation by Australia, Canada, NATO, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. JWID is a month long event taking place simultaneously within the participating countries - within the UK this event will be held at Portsdown in Portsmouth. For more information, please go to http://www.dtais.mod.uk/jwid/.

About Thales
Operating in three main markets covering e-security, card payment and network security, Thales e-Security addresses the business, government and finance industry's need for cryptographic security products and solutions. Over half of the world's banks, together with the majority of the busiest exchanges, currently use Thales technology.

For more than 20 years the company has been at the forefront of security and payment technology, co-operating and contributing to set the industry standards used for financial transactions and e-commerce globally. Thales e-Security offers a wide range of security solutions to protect Government and Defence critical information infrastructures, thereby positioning the company as a leading worldwide supplier of certified network security products.