PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ via Individual Inc. -- Global Internet today announced that the National Security Agency has awarded them a contract to conduct a feasibility study on raising the security level of Windows NT 3.51 to B-level. Global Internet will analyze Windows NT's ability to meet B-level security requirements, as well as develop a software prototype that demonstrates a Fortezza-based cryptocard access control mechanism. The contract was granted by the NSA under the Multilevel Information System Security Initiative (MISSI), which has the charter to provide security services for information ranging from Unclassified but Sensitive up to and including Top Secret. Windows NT was originally designed with security in mind. A NSA evaluation team has determined that Windows NT 3.5 with Service Pack 3 satisfies all class C-2 security requirements. B-level of security strengthens the C2 level security features while providing stricter system assurances. Global Internet has a proven expertise with Windows NT. Centri TNT is the only network security solution that is fully integrated into Windows NT TCP/IP networks by complementing and extending Windows NT's inherent strengths, while maintaining 100% compatibility with existing applications. Global Internet also has extensive experience architecting, designing and developing high level secure operating systems. "This project addresses anticipated security requirements for DOD, as well as commercial customers using Windows NT," said Michelle Ruppel, a director of the Global Internet Software Group. "Our analysis will address compatibility issues with B-level security requirements and identify the changes necessary to provide this level of support." According to Outlink, Inc., a New York-based research and publishing firm focusing on the information security market, about 80% of the PC hardware market supports Microsoft's DOS and Windows 3.1. This combination, though popular, does not provide inherent security features such as secure login, access control, auditing and self-protection. Strong access control is a highly desirable function of the MISSI architecture. Trusted Operating Systems will play a role in the MISSI success. Windows NT is a modular OS and combined with its current security features that are based on the Trusted Products Evaluation Program (TPEP) C2 level of security and it's ability to operate on the majority of customer platforms while supporting DOS and Windows applications, the architecture lends itself to support B-level requirements. An operating system with few security features allows anyone to use the machine without validating their identity, while allowing access to all files, objects and resources. C2 level security includes: auditing to allow security-relevant events to be recorded and monitored, discretionary (need-to-know) access controls to mediate who can access (read or write) files and other objects and identification and authentication (login) to require users to identify themselves to the system before they are allowed to use the system. B-level security additionally includes: labeling of users, files and other objects with a sensitivity label, mandatory access controls to enforce a security policy based on the labels of the users and objects and trusted path that ensures users they are using the actual programs provided with the system. The Global Internet Software Group specializes in security software for Windows NT networks and other operating environments. The Software Group is a division of Global Internet, a full-service internetworking solutions company focusing on secure, reliable internetworking software and services. Located in Palo Alto, California, Global Internet is privately held and was founded in 1993. Global Internet Home Page: http://www.gi.net. /CONTACT: Jim Adams of Adams And Associates, 408-370-5390, or E-mail: jaadams@ix.netcom.com, for Global Internet; or Mark R. Kriss of Global Internet, 415-855-1700, or E-mail: mkriss@gi.net/