November 8, 2001
Entrust Recognized For Internet Security Research by U.S. NIST and Department of Commerce
NIST Awards CygnaCom Solutions Critical Infrastructure Protection Grant, Department of Commerce Bestows Gold Medals for Leadership In AES Development
McLean, Va. - The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Department of Commerce have recognized CygnaCom Solutions for achievements in electronic security standards research and development. CygnaCom Solutions is a professional services organization for Entrust, Inc. [Nasdaq: ENTU], a leading global provider of enhanced Internet security solutions and services. CygnaCom Solutions is the leading organization focused on information security consulting and professional services for the U.S. Federal Government.
NIST awarded one of only nine Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) research grants to CygnaCom Solutions under its CIP Grants Program (CIPGP). According to NIST, its awards will accelerate efforts to help make the computer and telecommunications systems that support essential services more secure. The CIPGP focuses on the defense of the nation's computer systems and critical infrastructure from cyber terrorism.
The grant was awarded to CygnaCom Solutions for its research project "Engineered Compositions for Infrastructure Design." The project proposes an innovative approach to applying the Common Criteria methodology to the composition of large Information Technology systems from smaller, evaluated components. Common Criteria is an international standard recognized in 14 countries for expressing and verifying the security of computing system products.
Additionally, CygnaCom Solutions Director for Security Technology, Miles Smid, and senior software developer, Juan Soto Jr., are recipients of the U.S. Department of Commerce Group Gold Medal for Leadership. Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans presented the medals yesterday during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The medals serve as recognition for their roles as part of the ten-member team that led in the development of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), within the NIST Security Division. This award is the highest form of civilian recognition the Department of Commerce bestows and is granted for exceptional leadership.
"On behalf of Entrust and CygnaCom Solutions, we appreciate this recognition, which comes at a time when Internet security is imperative for our national security," said Bill Conner, Entrust President and Chief Executive Officer. "We also salute Miles and Juan for their innovation, passion and commitment to deliver enhanced Internet security for governments and enterprises around the world."
AES is an algorithm that replaces the 20-year old Data Encryption Algorithm (DEA) with a new algorithm offering a higher, more enhanced level of security. It could be used by millions of people in the years to come, specifically, the U.S. Government and on a voluntary basis by the private sector.
About NIST
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Commerce Department's Technology Administration. NIST's mission is to develop and promote measurement, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. For more information on NIST, visit their website at http://www.nist.gov.
About CygnaCom Solutions
CygnaCom Solutions, based in McLean, Va., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Entrust, Inc., which specializes in providing professional computer security services and cryptographic solutions to one of the world's largest information technology markets, the U.S. Government and governments abroad. CygnaCom Solutions also provides professional services to customers in the financial and healthcare industries. The company's lab facilities were among the first to be accredited by the U.S. Government for information technology security testing against federal cryptographic criteria. To learn more about CygnaCom Solutions, visit http://www.entrust.com/.
Entrust is a registered trademark of Entrust, Inc. in the United States and certain other countries. Entrust is a registered trademark of Entrust Limited in Canada. All other Entrust product names and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Entrust, Inc or Entrust Limited. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.