2004  |  2003  |  2002

Contacts:

Mike Yaffe NTRU Cryptosystems, Inc. (781) 418-2525 myaffe@ntru.com

WiKID Licenses NTRU Neo for Java to Deliver First Highly Secure Software-Based Strong Authentication Solution

NTRU's Small, Fast, Strong Encryption Powers WiKID's Groundbreaking Authentication System for use on Java Cellular Phones, PDAs and Other Wireless Devices

Burlington, Mass. - April 13, 2003 - NTRU, the embedded security experts and WiKID Systems, the pioneer of the first highly secure software-based strong authentication system, today announced that WiKID Systems has licensed NTRU Neo for Java to secure its newly launched WiKID Authentication System. This two-factor system, utilizes advanced encryption and Internet-enabled devices such as Java cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other wireless devices to securely deliver one-time passcodes for authentication into enterprise networks. This unique approach replaces the use of inconvenient and insecure passwords while dramatically reducing the costs, complexities and limitations associated with traditional authentication products such as tokens, physical smart cards and biometric systems. By incorporating NTRU Neo for Java, WiKID will provide the first system that does not sacrifice performance for strong security or low cost.

"We tried other packages, but key generation took 14 hours versus 14 milliseconds with NTRU. With NTRU, there is no longer a security, cost and scalability conflict -making an infinite number of new markets and new revenue streams available to us," said Nick Owen, CEO and founder of WIKID Systems. "NTRU Neo for Java has the smallest footprint, lowest power consumption, highest speed and fastest key generation of any available security technology. With our combined resources and technology, millions of customers across the globe will soon be able to benefit from secure and efficient access."

"WiKID is an innovator in the authentication market and they have recognized that iron-clad security is critical to realizing the potential of wireless applications as they extend their functionality to help provide strong, two-factor authentication," said Ed King, NTRU's Vice President and General Manager. "WiKID is using NTRU Neo for Java to provide its customers-and their users-with the highest degree of security and convenience available for protected access to enterprise networks."

Acting as the WiKID Authentication system client, the Internet-enabled device uses NTRU Neo for Java for on-device key generation as well as encryption and decryption. The user enters the PIN on the device, which encrypts it and sends it to the server. It is decrypted on the server and if the encryption is valid, the PIN correct and the account active, an encrypted passcode is sent to the device. This passcode is then stored on the server and used for authorization into VPNs, intranets and highly secure websites.

The need for powerful, efficient security has increased as wireless devices have proliferated. NTRU Neo for Java, the only public key product family designed specifically for securing wireless devices, was designed to meet the security requirements of space-constrained Java-environments. NTRU Neo for Java offers authentication services, which ensure that the device, user and/or system component is who or what they claim to be and that the transmitted data has not been altered. NTRU Neo for Java also provides audit capabilities that create digitally signed records of each and every transaction.

The WiKID Authentication System is as secure as existing two-factor security systems but is significantly less costly with an approximate 50% lower total cost of ownership than a typical hardware-based authentication deployment. The solution, in particular the patent-pending initial validation system and internet-enabled device components of the WiKID Authentication System make it convenient to implement and maintain. The system also provides an extensible platform for the future - for e-commerce, supply chain, partners, as well as custom applications and physical access. It is easily extended across multiple enterprises.

About WIKID
A self-funded, emerging information security company based in Atlanta, Ga., WiKID Systems, Inc. is the pioneer of the first highly secure software-based strong authentication solution. The WiKID Authentication System minimizes the risks of unauthorized online access and ensures the protection of critical networked data. With the goal of widely replacing the usage of passwords that are often insecure and expensive, WiKID's industry-unique solution utilizes internet-enabled devices, such as J2ME phones, PocketPCs™, Palms™, and Windows™ PCs and strong encryption to dramatically reduce the costs, complexities and limitations associated with traditional strong authentication product offerings. WiKID is a member of the Advance Technology Development Center, part of the Georgia Center for Technology and Telecommunications of Georgia Tech. For more information, visit the WiKID Systems web site at www.wikidsystems.com or e-mail info@wikidsystems.com or call 866.244.1876.

About NTRU
NTRU Cryptosystems, Inc. provides comprehensive security expertise to the embedded technology market. From system security analysis to highly optimized implementations on the most constrained platforms, NTRU provides practical security solutions that are tailored for specific application environments. NTRU's core competencies extend from development and evaluation of standards based security architectures and protocols, cryptosystem design and implementation of systems based on the NTRU algorithm suite and other major algorithms. NTRU provides state of the art services and solutions to a range of markets, including trusted computing, wireless networking, carrier based wireless and RFID/contactless identification. Headquartered in Burlington, Mass., NTRU's investors include Texas Instruments, Sony Corporation, Macrovision, Lehman Brothers Venture Capital, Investor AB, Granite Ventures, Greylock and 3i. For more information, please visit www.ntru.com.

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