London : Thales today announces the first Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level 5 (EAL5) approval for a network security product and the first EAL5 certificate to be issued by the UK Certification Body. In addition to an EAL5 evaluation, Datacryptor also has an EAL 4 approval; EAL4 is the highest level of CC for which arrangements for mutual recognition exist between the 16 signatory nations which include the UK , USA , France , Germany and Canada . These certifications reaffirm the Datacryptor as offering the strongest levels of security for a COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) platform.

The Datacryptor 2000 product provides strong and certified perimeter security for a wide range of network architectures including leased lines, Frame Relay, X.25 and IP. The product has already received FIPS 140-1 Level 3 certification and is currently being validated against the FIPS 140-2 standard at Level 3. The product has also received CESG Assisted Products Scheme (CAPS) approvals at Enhanced Grade in the UK .

Paul Jackson, head of the communication security activities of Thales, said: “Datacryptor is already recognised as a leading product in the hardware encryption space. Already certified by other leading bodies such as NIST/CSE and CESG, this new EAL5 approval underlines Thales' desire to ensure the strength of our security products through independent certification to the highest possible levels. Our customers in the military, government and financial arenas demand network security products which offer flexibility and a low cost of ownership together with strong cryptographic and key management techniques. This latest independent certification confirms Datacryptor as a class leader in the provision of network security. ”

About Thales
Thales UK is an international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace, services and security markets. Thales UK employs 11,000 people and generated revenues of £1.2 billion in 2003.

Operating in three main markets covering e-security, card payment and network security, Thales' e-Security activities address the business, government and finance industries' need for cryptographic security products and solutions. Over half of the world's banks, together with the majority of the busiest exchanges, currently use Thales technology. For more than 20 years the company has been at the forefront of security and payment technology, co-operating and contributing to set the industry standards used for financial transactions and e-commerce globally. Thales e-Security activities offer a wide range of security solutions to protect Government and Defence critical information infrastructures, thereby positioning the company as a leading worldwide supplier of certified network security products.

Contact details for Thales

Claire Topping
Thales e-Security
+44 (0)1844 204156
claire.topping@thales-esecurity.com

Scott McLean
Hotwire
+44 (0) 20 7608 4643
scott.mclean@hotwirepr.com