Tech Bytes: Spyrus Privacy Cards Get Clearance from U.S.

Spyrus said it has received government approval to introduce commercial versions of its Lynks Privacy Cards without a key escrow feature.

Key escrow, the safekeeping of encryption keys to enable code-breaking for national security or law enforcement purposes, had been a controversial condition for allowing export of stronger forms of data coding.

The higher forms of data encryption, such as the Fortezza system built into Spyrus' product, are viewed as necessary for commerce over the Internet and intranets.

Most Spyrus systems rely on PCMCIA computer insert cards to assure users' identities. Smart card versions will also be offered. Only with security and authenticity at the personal computer and application level can "growth of services and empowerment of users be securely administered among and within enterprises," said Spyrus chief executive officer Sue Pontius.

Spyrus recently announced its acquisition of Terisa Systems Inc., Los Altos, Calif., which has been active in card-related security developments such as the Secure Electronic Transactions protocol.

In a separate announcement, Terisa added a "Thin SSL Client" option to its SecureWeb tool kit. It allows software developers to install communications security in remote appliances with limited space, such as personal digital assistants and palmtop devices.

The first customer was WebTV Networks Inc., which used the system to upgrade and prepare its set-top boxes for electronic commerce.

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