Swissbit Introduces Security Micro SD Cards

Swissbit AG presents two members of the Security Series PS-100u: the Micro SD storage cards PS-100u PE and PS-100u DP include security functions, the PS-100u PE with an integrated smart card, the PS-100u DP without.

The products will make it easier for solution providers to create secure applications.

In addition to the integrated smart card, the premium edition PS-100u PE also includes security functions, which are made possible thanks to the flash controller. The data protection card PS-100u DP includes the same security functions, but does not have a smart card.

Both Micro SD cards offer users storage security without a loss in speed thanks to AES flash memory encryption and access protection. This can be used for the entire memory, all files or just some of the files. Only users who authorize themselves by entering the right PIN can access the content. Possible areas of use include BYOD data for companies, cloud backups, body worn cameras used by the police and any other area where secure storage in hardware is needed to protect against data loss.

An invisible storage area enables the storage of data, which is resistant against formatting. Different protection profiles are available for storing records such as audit trails, confidential usage data, cash register logs, SW libraries, address books, passwords, etc.

The cards are also suitable for use as a boot medium for embedded devices or PCs thanks to their optional write protection. This means a boot area or the entire storage area can be defined as write protected. These are therefore the first solutions to provide a boot medium as well as an editable area for storing user data within a single MICRO SD card. If the boot area needs updating, only the administrator can unlock it temporarily or permanently. With the nano USB Micro SD adapter for a key ring, the company is opening up a range of possibilities for virus-free work environments for home banking or home offices.

Data such as chat messages, passwords, SMS, video or voice content can be encrypted in the hardware using AES CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) or CTR (Counter) mode thanks to the integrated AES.

Sample products are available, serial production is due to start in September 2014.

Security Series PS-100u
The series currently includes three models for PKI, voice encryption and contact-free applications, and each comes with an integrated smart card chip:

• The Standard Edition PS-100u SE is for authentication and PKI applications.

• The Voice Edition PS-100u VE offers elliptic curve cryptography (ECC).

• The contactless card PS-100u CL can be used in terminals with an external antenna.

With these storage products, the company is focussing on the needs of B2B partners, solution providers and VARs. It also offers security consulting and training, design-in support, prototyping and access to a partner network for customer-specific solutions with short time-to-market. The target markets are first and foremost industry, telecommunication, banking, medicine and governments and public authorities.