IronKey Inc. is adapting its secure browser system, which typically runs off a USB device, to run as a downloadable application.
The USB device creates a secure browsing environment for online banking or other sensitive functions. It prevents other programs running on the user's computer from interacting with the secure browser. The downloadable version functions largely the same as the USB one.
"We've taken the same security controls that are part of the app that runs on our portable device" and made them into a downloadable version, says Kevin Bocek, IronKey's director of product marketing.
IronKey has taken precautions to make sure that the downloadable version of its software is not more easily tampered with than the hardware version.
"We've added enhanced controls to make sure read-only operation continues," he says. "There are tampering protections built in."
IronKey also announced that it's building a new security platform that it says will helps banks manage the multiple layers of security that regulators have urged them to adopt.
"It's important to have consistent online banking security across channels," Bocek says. "Most approaches have been developed separately, and that leaves discrepancies."
