EADS Defence and Security, EADS DS unveils revolutionary new technology to assist in fighting terror, organised crime and fraud
# EADS DS builds world leading technology to beat the communications hackers
# First time Top Secret information can be transmitted securely over the internet
# First multi-million pound contract secured
13 January 2009
EADS Defence & Security (EADS DS) today launched a revolutionary new cryptographic technology, capable of providing governments and industry with the highest levels of communications security over the internet.
In a technology dependent world, it is increasingly essential for government and its agencies to protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of its data, and to minimise the risk of hacking. EADS DS has beaten competitors from around the world to devise a new and highly-effective cryptographic product range with different levels of security assurance for government and industry.
EADS DS cryptographic experts and scientists at their base in Newport South Wales have spent 5 years developing this new security technology, which uses more than one million lines of certified code. Ectocryp has many applications but some of the earliest uses will be in the continuing battle against terror and organised crime.
Until now, sensitive data used by government has needed to be sent over stand-alone networks which are slow, costly to set up and maintain, and vulnerable to hacking. Ectocryp enables governments to use existing networks and the Internet securely, and with complete confidence. This new technology can work through any internet connection, is more secure, cheaper, and hundreds of times faster than existing systems.
Len Tyler, CEO EADS Defence and Security Systems Ltd. said, “Ectocryp means that for the first time ever, government departments can transmit Top Secret information over the public internet securely. This is essentially Enigma for the 21st century and it is a good demonstration of how far technology has moved on; it would take a team of cryptographers at least 36 months to transcribe the bible using an Enigma machine, compared to EADS’ Ectocryp product which could perform the same task in less than one second and protect the network it used at the same time.”
Steve Howarth, head of the programme from EADS DS said, “Currently, sensitive data is generally exchanged on very high grade government lines. It’s expensive to do that and takes a lot of monitoring. Organisations using Ectocryp can potentially save at least 25 per cent of infrastructure costs.”
The technology means information can be passed much more quickly too. For example, Ectocryp could be used in systems for undercover surveillance operations where field agents have not had access to secure networks in the past, but need to access data quickly. Another example might be if suspected terrorists were apprehended in a different part of the country from where anti-terrorist resources were based, this technology could allow secure live video streaming over the internet – previously only available via expensive dedicated lines that, with existing crypto enhancements, were difficult to access and slowed down the data transfer rates to below real-time needs.
EADS DS has a wealth of experience in cryptography, and has supplied cryptographic products and services into a number of programmes. These include the SkyNet 5 project that allows the armed forces to communicate securely with each other and other NATO forces, and the Bowman Programme, the military’s combat net radio for theatre operations.
EADS Defence & Security (DS) is a systems and services solution provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS – with around 22,000 employees – achieved revenues of €5.5 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of €39.1 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.
Contact:
Deborah Waddon
South Wales
Tel.: +44 (0)1633 715447
mailto: deborah.waddon@eads.com
Jeremy Greaves
EADS UK
London
Tel.: +44 (0)20 7845 8419
mailto: jeremy.greaves@eads-uk.com
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