FORT WAYNE, Ind., May 23 (UPI) -- Self-encrypting drives to protect data on mobile platforms such as laptops are to be developed for the U.S. Air Force by ITT Exelis.
The contract for prototypes of the solid-state devices is an Air Force Cryptologic Systems Division award. No details as it its value, length or provisions, however were provided.
"Current laptops and Department of Defense mobile applications use commercial drives, which provide significant security risks if they are lost or captured," said Chris Bernhardt, Exelis executive vice president and president of the Electronic Systems division. "These secure drives are direct commercial drive replacements and are based upon our Scorpion Data-at Rest program.
"Our Scorpion drives provide cost-effective, high grade cryptography and eliminate the end-user risk of stored data compromise."
ITT Exelis said that in designing the self-encrypting devices it will incorporate its earlier advancements on the Havasu secure network processor for reduced size, weight, power and costs.
ITT Exelis said two of its facilities will be involved in the contract work. Its Electronic Systems division's Tempe, Ariz., facility will perform engineering, while manufacturing of the prototypes will take place in Fort Wayne, Ind.
