Hughes Introduces NetLOCK(tm) for HP

Hughes Broadens Multi-Platform RSA Security Solutions with NetLOCK(tm) for HP Workstations

FULLERTON, Calif., April 26 -- Continuing its commitment to enterprisewide multi- platform information system security, Hughes Aircraft Company today announced NetLOCK(tm) for HP -- software-based, multi-layered security for networks of Hewlett- Packard workstations. NetLOCK for HP interoperates with NetLOCK for Sun, which Hughes announced last winter. NetLOCK will be available to secure additional Unix platforms during 1994. "Information systems and public networks like the Internet make it possible to get work done more quickly and efficiently," said John Garber, general manager of the Information Security Products business area at Hughes. "At the same time, it exposes sensitive information to would-be snoopers. With NetLOCK, information is shared securely and privately, without disrupting the way people work."

NetLOCK is installed at the IP layer of the network stack, where it operates transparently to the user and applications. As a result of a combination of technologies, network communications data arrive only at the chosen destination, confidentially and without alteration. "Encryption is an important aspect of information protection, but we believe today's networks need more than encryption," Garber said. "NetLOCK provides encryption, but also uses other technologies, such as authentication, access control and integrity checking, to place obstacles between sensitive information and would-be snoopers. We believe this results in the highest possible level of assurance."

When two workstations initiate private communications, NetLOCK automatically generates a public key, which the workstations share to encrypt and decrypt data. Keys are valid for a specific time period, set by the security administrator. After traffic key negotiation, the workstations automatically authenticate themselves to one another by exchanging digitally signed certificates of authentication. Data transfer occurs only when these procedures are completed successfully. Then as the data is transmitted, NetLOCK inspects the data for alterations by performing security checks, such as integrity checksums. NetLOCK will notify the administrator if a security breach occurs. "Key management has been a persistent nightmare for security users," Garber said. "NetLOCK simply eliminates those issues by automating key management. The entire process takes a matter of seconds and does not impact system performance."

NetLOCK requires no hardware and is simple to install and administer within an enterprise. NetLOCK's security management software, CAMS, is typically installed on the network administrator's workstation and allows remote installation and control of NetLOCK throughout the enterprise. The administrator has the power and flexibility to provide each workstation on the network with custom security parameters. Modifications are quick and simple. Hughes began its work in information security more than a decade ago by developing trusted systems and standards for defense-related information technology. Hughes currently holds two patents on NetLOCK, and has licensed patented technologies from RSA, including the RSA Public Key Cryptosystem and RSA's BSAFE Cryptographer's Toolkit. Using these technologies, NetLOCK provides such advanced security features as Diffie- Hellman exponential key exchanges, RSA Digital Signatures and X.509 Digital Certificates. Future versions will support RSA's RC2 and RC4 variable keysize symmetric ciphers.

NetLOCK for HP will be demonstrated at the Interop conference in Las Vegas, Nev. May 4 - 6, in booth 2871 in the south hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Through Aug. 31, 1994, NetLOCK for HP is available at an introductory price of $2,995, which includes the CAMS software and NetLOCK for 10 workstations. After Aug. 31, NetLOCK CAMS 10 will retail for $3,995. NetLOCK is currently available for sale in the United States and Canada.