QinetiQ chooses TrustLogic for groundbreaking defence communications system pilot project.

M2 PRESSWIRE-24 October 2001-Conclusive Logic: QinetiQ chooses TrustLogic for groundbreaking defence communications system pilot project (C)1994-2001 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:24102001

QinetiQ, Europe's largest science and technology organization, has chosen Conclusive's TrustLogic Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) management software as the central element for an advanced IP-based command, control and communications (C3) system pilot project.

The project is being run by QinetiQ's Secure E-business Department and will demonstrate how a shared public network like the Internet can be used for securely communicating classified operational orders via web-based forms that are fully protected during transmission and while "at rest" by a combination of public key technologies.

The ultimate goal for this proof-of-concept is to demonstrate how a flexible, Internet-based workflow system that can be quickly configured to support secure messaging and C3 workflow applications between a variety of domestic and international military, intelligence and law enforcement organisations.

Some of the specific TrustLogic capabilities to be showcased during the trial include:

* Validation of user certificates through Certificate Revocation List (CRL) checking and Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) support.

* Role-based encryption and signing of all required, discrete XML elements of inbound messages.

* Encryption of outbound XML-formatted messages under the appropriate users' key.

* Verification of all signatures on a message upon receipt.

* Encryption of XML messages while "at rest" in the messaging application's message database.

* 'Persistent encryption' of the message on a client device, even if it is locally cached or saved.

* Complete "audit" logging of all events surrounding each message, including the actual signed and encrypted messages themselves, in a cryptographically secure database.

The pilot will feature a web-enabled message storage and retrieval system, complete with e-mail notification of authorised recipients and interfaces for the integration of related workflow applications.

Initially, the trial will focus on showing how public key cryptography can be effectively employed for user access and authentication to the messaging system, as well as the protection, control and logging of its associated messages.

Malcolm Etchells, Conclusive's Director of Business Development for Europe, commented, "The QinetiQ pilot project will demonstrate the viability of using an IP-based network for securely drafting, approving and releasing operational orders at different levels of classification, as well as for controlling their dissemination to all appropriate recipients."

He continued, "Our TrustLogic enterprise security middleware was selected by QinetiQ to enable the full range of 'intelligent' PKI management capabilities necessary to meet this demanding requirement. Its ability to provide XML field-level digital encryption and signing, detailed audit logging of all communications, as well as to selectively apply other public key cryptography services and data protection technologies, will ensure the necessary levels of end-to end-security for this mission critical application."

"This trial perfectly demonstrates the use of Internet technologies for command and control in military operations, where security is essential," comments Tim Dean the QinetiQ project officer. "Conclusive's TrustLogic software has PKI-enabled this application quickly and provided the PKI management, rules and audit trail that should be an important part of the stringent security requirements necessary for command, control and communications over the Internet."

Notes to Editors

About QinetiQ

QinetiQ, a wholly government-owned UK PLC, comprises the greater part of DERA -- the British Government's "Defence Evaluation and Research Agency".

Leveraging its breadth and depth of technical expertise, uniquely derived from many decades of experience in meeting UK defence needs, this science and technology powerhouse is a world leader in the creation and application of advanced technologies and solutions for both government and industry.

With a staff of over 8,000 in dozens of locations across the UK, QinetiQ delivers science-based solutions to a wide range of industries. From Aerospace, Defence, Electronics, Finance and Healthcare through Security, Space and Transport, QinetiQ is a leader in communications, information management, software and systems, sensors, materials, energy and propulsion technologies and applications.

For additional information, visit the QinetiQ web site at www.qinetiq.com

About Conclusive Logic

Conclusive Logic, an enterprise security middleware company, develops and distributes innovative software products and applications that enable organisations to leverage data encryption and related information security technologies to implement and manage electronic workflow and Web services more efficiently and securely than ever before. Its core R&D team has over 100 years of collective experience in the IT security industry, while its senior management and business development staff are globally recognised experts, dedicated to providing practical advice and proven, world-class security products to global 1000 companies, security agencies, defence establishments and governments throughout Europe and North America.

For additional information about Conclusive Logic and its products, contact the company at either +44 (0) 1628 590 500 (UK) or +1 (703) 734 3000 (US), or visit the Conclusive web site at www.conclusive.com

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