[Clips] IBM to Offer Encryption System Based on Chips for PCs, PDAs

--- begin forwarded text Delivered-To: clips@philodox.com Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2006 18:06:26 -0400 To: Philodox Clips List From: "R. A. Hettinga" Subject: [Clips] IBM to Offer Encryption System Based on Chips for PCs, PDAs Reply-To: rah@philodox.com Sender: clips-bounces@philodox.com http://online.wsj.com/article_print/SB114462203713721272.html The Wall Street Journal April 10, 2006 IBM to Offer Encryption System Based on Chips for PCs, PDAs By WILLIAM M. BULKELEY April 10, 2006; Page B4 International Business Machines Corp. expects to announce a chip-based encryption system that could simplify and cut the cost of how information is secured on personal computers, cellphones and personal digital assistants. The technology, "Secure Blue," is a method of designing part of a microprocessor to encrypt or scramble all the data it handles. The new encryption system is being launched as companies and governments are dealing with numerous instances of stealing of private data from laptop computers. Last month, a laptop containing unencrypted personal data on 196,000 customers was stolen from a Fidelity Investments employee's car. The design, IBM says, can foil skilled hackers who might try to reverse-engineer its circuits. "If someone tries to access the chip by tampering, it can commit suicide on the spot," said Tim Ravy, a vice president in IBM's technology-collaboration solutions unit. IBM said it has a customer who already is using the system, but it declined to name the customer. Encryption software is one way to thwart unauthorized access to data. But except in powerful, large computers, running encryption software can be time-consuming and inconvenient. IBM said its engineers will work with processor makers to design the security features into their products. Mr. Ravy declined to speak about pricing. IBM has implemented Secure Blue in its own Power processors, which it sells to other companies, and in two other processors. It said it plans to approach other processor makers and companies in the defense, consumer-electronics, financial-services and digital-media markets. "The need to protect content is growing exponentially," Mr. Ravy said. -- ----------------- R. A. Hettinga The Internet Bearer Underwriting Corporation http://www.ibuc.com/ 44 Farquhar Street, Boston, MA 02131 USA "... however it may deserve respect for its usefulness and antiquity, [predicting the end of the world] has not been found agreeable to experience." -- Edward Gibbon, 'Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' _______________________________________________ Clips mailing list Clips@philodox.com http://www.philodox.com/mailman/listinfo/clips --- end forwarded text -- ----------------- R. A. Hettinga The Internet Bearer Underwriting Corporation http://www.ibuc.com/ 44 Farquhar Street, Boston, MA 02131 USA "... however it may deserve respect for its usefulness and antiquity, [predicting the end of the world] has not been found agreeable to experience." -- Edward Gibbon, 'Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'