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SCM Microsystems, TC TrustCenter and cv cryptovision Launch Digital Signature Solution to Enable Secure eGovernment Transactions FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SCM Microsystems, Inc. , TC TrustCenter and cv cryptovision GmbH today announced a new digital security solution that brings a significantly higher level of security, trust and non-repudiation to online transactions between the public and their government institutions in Germany. The new solution, PublicOnline Box, combines smart cards, PC-connected secure readers with PIN pads and public key-based digital signatures to enable the confidential exchange of certified identities and binding transaction information via the Internet. PublicOnline Box was developed in accordance with the requirements of administrative processes and the specifications of the BSI (German Federal Office for Information Security). PublicOnline Box is available immediately at http://www.pc-ware.de/. PublicOnline Box combines the expertise of the three companies to deliver an end-to-end consumer solution for online eGovernment transactions. SCM, the leader in security-oriented smart card readers, provides the CHIPDRIVE pinpad reader, which is certified for Common Criteria and allows PIN pad entry of user identification codes for enhanced security. TC TrustCenter, the accredited German certification authority, provides certificates for advanced digital signatures. The cryptographic specialist, cv cryptovision, adds the necessary technology for email encryption. PublicOnline Box contains all hardware and software needed to provide secure digital communication for five workstations. A foundation of trust starts with confidence in the identity of individuals. Once an authority has verified an identity, the identity can be stored on a smart card along with public keys used to verify the identity of the sender and authenticate transactions. The role of the new PublicOnline Box solution is to extend that trust to online transactions and provide a way to use those identities and security keys from standard PCs. The public keys and digital signatures ensure the integrity of identities and transactions. An electronic signature can prove the author's identity just as reliably as a physical signature. It confirms online transactions and proves that e-mails and attachments were actually sent and were not subsequently altered. "The PublicOnline Box enables German federal, regional and local authorities and public institutions to take advantage of a PKI for public administration and to handle their business processes electronically," said Stephanie Willemsen, head of Product & Solution Center, TC TrustCenter AG. "The most secure method to protect data and network access is to employ smart cards," explained Robert Schneider, chief executive officer of SCM Microsystems. "Integrated into a PKI solution, the smart card and a smart card reader provide the user with a high level of security. They can guarantee the unique identification and authentication of a person, since the private key never leaves its protected domain. By entering a PIN code, the user's identity is verified directly between the smart card and the reader before any information is transferred to the PC or the network." "The powerful plug-in, cv act s/mail from cv cryptovision, complies with the requirements of the BSI and offers public authorities in Germany a high level of security for digital communication," emphasized Markus Hoffmeister, managing director of cv cryptovision gmbh. "PublicOnline Box is the next step to legally binding communication between citizens and public authorities." About TC TrustCenter AG TC TrustCenter is a Certification Authority accredited by the Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Posts (RegTP) in accordance with the German Signature Act. TC TrustCenter AG is one of the leading international solution providers in the IT security sector. In order to efficiently address a great variety of needs, TC TrustCenter's scope of services includes all stages of security projects and their value-added chains. For additional information, visit the TC TrustCenter AG web site at http://www.trustcenter.de/. About cv cryptovision GmbH cv cryptovision develops secure cryptographic technologies based on state-of-the-art concepts on the basis of elliptic curves (ECC-procedures), and transforms them to marketable solutions. These cryptographic programs are used to ensure confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of information on transmission and storage of data within electronic communication processes. They address the encryption and integrity of documents, access control, and the authentication of communication partners and digital signatures. For additional information, visit the cv cryptovision web site at http://www.cryptovision.de/. About SCM Microsystems SCM Microsystems is a leading supplier of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to conveniently access digital content and services. The company markets and sells its smart card reader technology for network and physical access and conditional access modules for secure digital TV decryption to OEM customers in the government, financial, enterprise and broadcasting markets worldwide. Global headquarters are in Fremont, California, with European headquarters in Ismaning, Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems web site at http://www.scmmicro.com/. NOTE: All company and/or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers. DATASOURCE: SCM Microsystems, Inc. CONTACT: Dr. Manfred Mueller of SCM Microsystems, Inc., +49 89 95 95 5140, or ; or Deb Montner of Montner & Associates, +1 203 226 9290, or , for SCM Microsystems, Inc.; or Tamara Winograd of TC TrustCenter AG, +49 40 808026 410; or Ralf Kirchhoff of cv cryptovision GmbH, +49 209 167 2495 Web site: http://www.scmmicro.com/

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