Giesecke & Devrient secures Android phones

Stuart Corner
Thursday, 05 November 2009 06:59

Business IT - Technology

Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) has introduced a security device for Android phones that fits into their microSD card slot enabling applications on the phone to be protected by two factor authentication.


G&D says the Mobile Security Card - which is equipped with a smart card chip - can serve as a highly secure platform for a multitude of mobile applications including online banking, secure access to corporate networks, or electronic ticketing, and enables companies with special security requirements to create their own security features.

According to G&D, " Users simply insert the memory card into the microSD slot of their Android handheld device...[and] authenticate themselves to the Mobile Security Card by means of a two-factor process and, if successful, are then granted access to the protected applications."

G&D has made its driver software openly available, permitting application developers to incorporate security functions in their own applications using the G&D security component. G&D provides a set of tools and downloads for the Android developers community.

Dr Kai Grassie, head of the new business division at G&D, said: "The integration of our solution in the Android operating system is an important milestone. G&D intends to play a greater role in this area in future. Our wide-ranging experience in security technologies places us in an ideal position to shape the future development of the market for mobile applications, especially those involving the security of digital business processes." '¨
The Mobile Security Card is manufactured by G&D Secure Flash Solutions, a joint venture between G&D and Taiwanese flash memory manufacturer, Phison. It will be marketed by various system integrators, value-added resellers and distributors.