17 September 2013

US-based KoolSpan has developed what it claims as the first hardware-based encryption system for Apple's iPhone, opening the door to increased adoption of the system for military users.

The new chip is a self-contained, hardware-anchored, secure, military-grade, FIPS 140-2-compliant encryption chip capable of providing 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption for voice, data, and short message service (SMS) transmissions.

The 32-bit crypto ARM co-processor 'TrustChip' is designed around an industry standard plug-in microSD chip with up to 2 GB of memory. The chip fits into an iCaisse4X protective adapter sleeve known as 'TrustSleeve' built by DeviceFidelity, which also contains an ancillary 1200 mAh battery pack that provides between 12 to 13.5 hours (voice and internet) of battery life in addition to the integral power source.

Read more at http://www.janes.com/article/27137/new-chip-promises-iphone-encryption (subscribers only article)