October 09, 2017
Utimaco, manufacturer of hardware security module (HSM) technology, plays an active part in creating security requirements and protection profiles within the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The aim is to provide secure qualified signatures, seals and time stamps complying with the EU eIDAS regulation.
- eIDAS and Common Criteria (CC) certification of Utimaco Hardware Security Modules expected by 2018
- Companies using Utimaco HSM comply with EU-wide regulations for digital signatures, seals and time stamps
Aachen, October 9th 2017 – Utimaco, manufacturer of hardware security module (HSM) technology, plays an active part in creating security requirements and protection profiles within the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The aim is to provide secure qualified signatures, seals and time stamps complying with the EU eIDAS regulation.
The regulation defines standards for the use of HSMs by trust service providers creating qualified electronic signatures, seals and time stamps. Protection profiles according to the Common Criteria certification scheme determine the requirements for information technology security functions – comparable to an industry-specific device description. This protection profile standardizes security requirements for HSMs and their application across national borders.
Protection Profile Cryptographic Module for Trust Services
Such uniform standards bring about new business opportunities for companies: They can enter additional markets and do business in other European countries in a highly secure and compliant way. The protection profile most relevant for HSMs, “Cryptographic Module for Trust Services”, was recently certified by an approved testing laboratory. Very soon, the next milestone will be achieved: the confirmation of the EU member states.
The Utimaco Hardware Security Module “CryptoServer Se-Series Gen2” is being evaluated according to this protection profile. The final Common Criteria certification is expected for the first quarter of 2018. So far, no other HSM vendor has been certified.
Important fields of application for signatures, seals and time stamps
Electronic signatures and seals are especially important in the field of contracts, insurance policies and official documents – i.e. primarily for the public sector as well as the finance and insurance industry. Time stamps guarantee that documents can be doubtlessly assigned to the point of time when they came into existence. Furthermore, they are absolutely necessary in payment processes, e.g. to determine the value date of incoming payments. Additionally, time stamps show the processing time of tasks and documents. That is why state authorities add digital time stamps to their inbound and outbound emails. So it is possible to both prove timely processing and draw conclusions regarding order volumes and processing capacity.
About Utimaco
Utimaco is a worldwide supplier of professional cybersecurity solutions and is based in Aachen, Germany with offices worldwide. Since 1983, Utimaco has been developing hardware-based, high-security appliances (Hardware Security Modules) and compliance solutions for telecommunication provider regulations (lawful interception and data retention). Today, Utimaco is a world-market leader in both segments. Customers and partners of Utimaco in all parts of the world trust the company’s long-term, proven reliability and investment protection, as well as its many certified IT security standards. Utimaco stands for recognized product quality, user-friendly software, excellent support and trusted high security. For further information, please visit www.utimaco.com
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| Contact Utimaco: Utimaco Alexandra Guennewig Germanusstraße 4 52080 Aachen Phone: +49 241 1696-210 E-Mail: Alexandra.Guennewig@utimaco.com |
Contact Agency: Akima Media Martina Kuckuk Garmischer Str. 8 80339 München Phone: +49 89 959 18-0 E-Mail: utimaco@akima.de |
