Scientific-Atlanta Licenses Cylink's Security Techniques for Digital Broadband Application First Use of Patented Cylink Public Key Methods by a Digital Set-Top Terminal Supplier for Two-Way Message Encryption, Decryption and Authentication Atlanta, Jan. 9 -- Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. announced today the licensing from Cylink Corporation of communications security techniques for use by cable and other broadband television systems. Cylink, a provider of enterprise-wide network information security products and wireless communications, has licensed to Scientific-Atlanta what are known as the "Stanford patents," which cover the field of public key cryptography, a security technique that ensures privacy, authentication and integrity of electronic information. The license gives Scientific-Atlanta the right to practice public key cryptography methods, as defined in certain intellectual property holdings of Cylink. These include methods for generation, authentication and exchange of "public keys" used in securely communicating point-to-point network messages. Scientific-Atlanta plans to use these cryptography techniques in its development of a conditional access system for digital networks -- including set-top terminals, headend components, and network element management software -- to improve communications security for digital pay-per-view, cable modems and other broadcast and interactive applications. The license is the first that Cylink has granted to a set-top terminal manufacturer of its patented cryptographic techniques. No other terms were disclosed. With sophisticated encryption systems, cable and other broadband network operators can be more flexible in implementing new services that employ easy-to-use security. For example, both content providers and the network operator can have a secure way of interactive communications with subscribers. Sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, can be encrypted and exchanged. The identity of the sender and the message content can be authenticated -- an important capability for multi-provider authorization environments and for validation of orders from subscribers. A public key-based cryptography system controls the encryption and decryption of messages. Each user is assigned two unique mathematically-related keys: a published public key, and a secret private key. In a cable TV environment, the public key for each subscriber's set-top terminal can be distributed or "published" while keeping the private key in secure memory. "We're excited about the opportunities this license opens for content providers and network operators," said Bob Van Orden, Scientific-Atlanta's product line director of digital subscriber systems. "With Cylink's innovations, we have the foundation necessary for designing very advanced security into any digital broadband application, including pay-per-view, cable modems and electronic shopping." "Through the use of public key technologies, Scientific- Atlanta will help network operators to protect the value of their services," said David Morris, vice president of marketing for Cylink. "This is a vitally important step for operators as they migrate to digital networks." Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (http://www.sciatl.com) is a leading supplier of broadband communications systems, satellite-based video, voice and data communications networks and worldwide customer service and support. The company is the Official Broadband Video Distribution Sponsor of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.