News
Digia Salpa mobile communications solution receives national information security classification in the Bittium Tough Mobile™ smartphone
March 2016 by Marc Jacob
Digia Salpa is a Finnish mobile communications solution that provides strong encryption of both calls and messages on phones, tablets and workstations. It was designed from both Finnish and European premises. The solution is intended for users who need to ensure the security and privacy of their communications and to be able to communicate confidential information. Digia Salpa can be used in communications both inside and between organisations.
Bittium’s mobile system comprises the Bittium Tough Mobile smartphone, the Bittium Secure Suite remote management software and the Bittium SafeMove Mobile VPN encryption solution. This is the first solution that has been officially approved in Finland for not only creating and processing classified material but also transferring such materials between a smartphone and back-end systems connected to it.
In December 2015, the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority granted official encryption product approval to the Bittium Tough Mobile and its management and encryption system for processing national classification level IV (ST IV) material.
The encryption product approval now also covers the Digia Salpa mobile communications solution, which is used in the smartphone to encrypt calls and messages. The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority’s assessment was based on the official Katakri 2015 auditing tool and the Authority’s guidelines for cryptographic strength requirements.
“This approved highly secure encryption solution provides companies and public administration with excellent opportunities to ensure the privacy of communications and the confidentiality of data in electronic services and online environments,” says Jarkko Saarimäki, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre.
“This approved encryption product, comprising a secure smartphone and encrypted communications, enables user-friendly communications concerning confidential matters over the phone and using other means, from instant messages to e-mails and group calls. In future, we seek to gain national classification level III (ST III) encryption product approval for this joint solution. Domestic cooperation will also safeguard growth opportunities for cybersecurity expertise and jobs in Finland,” says Sami Rantanen, Head of Industry, Public Sector, at Digia.
In May 2015, Bittium, Digia and Elisa announced their cooperation to design and implement a mobile communications service that fulfils the requirements for processing national classification level material. In this solution, Bittium is responsible for the secure smartphone and its online traffic protection, Digia for the voice and messaging encryption solutions and their back-end system, and Elisa for the provision of a highly secure end-to-end service. All three companies have strong experience in implementing secure systems and services for the public sector.
