Software Plug-In enables OpenSSL developers to support ECC.
Press Release Summary:
Using Security Builder API for Open Source, OpenSSL developers can add elliptic curve cryptography to their applications. SSL shim, or abstraction layer, allows developers to plug SSL applications into software cryptographic providers that include elliptic curve and Suite B algorithms as well as pre-approved FIPS-140-2 cryptographic module.
Original Press Release:
Certicom Announces Security Builder API for Open Source
Certicom's cryptographic plug-in allows OpenSSL applications to be Suite B and FIPS compliant
MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 26 /-- Certicom (TSX: CIC) today announced Security Builder API for Open Source to help OpenSSL developers easily add elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to their applications. The SSL shim, or abstraction layer, allows developers to plug SSL applications into Certicom's software cryptographic providers that include elliptic curve and Suite B algorithms as well as a pre-approved FIPS-140-2 cryptographic module.
The small size of ECC algorithms is the main driver behind its growing popularity in both commercial and government sectors. This efficiency (more security per bit) offers performance improvements with little impact on battery life and memory. For example, the use of 224-bit ECC in OpenSSL could increase performance by 3x on Apache Web Servers, resulting in 3x as many transactions being processed in a given timeframe(1). OpenSSL is the security layer used by Apache Web Server, the most dominant Web server on the Internet.
The efficiency of ECC also results in a longer cryptographic life span, which was one of the main drivers behind the National Security Agency (NSA) identifying ECC-based security mechanisms in Suite B, the recommended guidelines for protecting government communications.
"ECC offers tremendous performance and security advantages and we're providing an easy way for developers to add it to their SSL application without the need to re-code," said Jim Alfred, director of product management at Certicom.
Security Builder API for Open Source is a cost-effective way for OpenSSL developers to support ECC, including Suite B algorithms, and be FIPS 140-2 compliant. Pricing depends on the customer's platform requirements and includes developer licenses, royalties, and support services. It is available immediately. For more information, visit www.certicom.com.
(1) Tests conducted by Sun Microsystems and presented at the RSA Conference, 2007
About Certicom
Certicom protects the value of your content, applications and devices with government-approved security. Adopted by the National Security Agency (NSA) for classified and sensitive but unclassified government communications, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) provides the most security per bit of any known public-key scheme. As the undisputed leader in ECC, Certicom security offerings are currently licensed to more than 300 customers including General Dynamics, Motorola, Oracle, Research In Motion and Unisys. Founded in 1985, Certicom's corporate offices are in Mississauga, ON, Canada with worldwide sales and marketing headquarters in Reston, VA and offices in the US, Canada and Europe. Visit www.certicom.com
Certicom, Certicom ECC Core, Certicom Security Architecture, Certicom Trust Infrastructure, Certicom CodeSign, Certicom KeyInject, Security Builder, Security Builder API, Security Builder BSP, Security Builder Crypto, Security Builder ETS, Security Builder GSE, Security Builder IPSec, Security Builder MCE, Security Builder NSE, Security Builder PKI and Security Builder SSL are trademarks or registered trademarks of Certicom Corp. All other companies and products listed herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information subject to change.
