ST’s Trusted Platform Module Provides Complete Trusted Computing Group-Enabled Security Solution for Desktop and Laptop PCs
STMicroelectronics Completes Trusted Computing Group 1.2 Solution Available with Licensed Software from Wave Systems and NTRU
Geneva, September 7, 2004–STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) announces the availability of its complete Trusted Computing Group (TCG) 1.2 Solution–the ST19WP18-TPM–which is backward compatible with ST’s TCG 1.1b Solution. The new TCG 1.2 solution features an integrated Core TCG Software Stack from NTRU Cryptosystems, along with the Embassy Security Center and Cryptographic Services Provider from Wave Systems (NASDAQ: WAVX) as well as all necessary BIOS and Windows® drivers.
The ST19WP18-TPM solution, based on ST’s Trusted Platform Module, combined with the software stack (BIOS and Windows drivers, NTRU Core Trusted Computing Group Software Stack, and Wave Embassy® Security Center and TCG Cryptographic Service Provider), delivers an off-the-shelf TCG-enabled security solution for desktop and laptop PCs.
Backward compatible with the earlier 1.1b specification already used on motherboards by leading PC manufacturers, the ST19WP18-TPM solution is TCG v1.2-ready and provides support for new functions, such as Delegation, Transport Protection, and Locality. The firmware relies on an optimized and flexible software architecture which anticipates the integration of future TCG enhancements and the implementation of dedicated functions.
“Trusted Computing is set to become the major IT issue for companies and governments as computer systems become increasingly complex and vulnerable. ST’s secure technology, combined with advanced software from proven partners, provides a complete system-on-chip solution around which trusted systems can be built,” according to Alain Jarre of the Smartcard ICs Division, STMicroelectronics.
ST has completed commercial licensing terms with Wave Systems Corp. for the Embassy Security Center (ESC), a powerful Trusted Platform Module management utility that allows easy set up and configuration of the TPM. The Wave ESC provides multi-factor authentication functions to users and key management. In addition, TPM administrators can easily define custom security policies.
The license also includes the TCG enabled Wave Cryptographic Service Provider (CSP), which supports any application requiring cryptographic services taking full advantage of the TPM. It is fully compliant with Microsoft’s crypto-API specification.
NTRU Cryptosystems’ Core TCG Software Stack (CTSS) provides the essential core interface and security services for any application that wants to use the Trusted Platform Module. It also interfaces with the Cryptographic Service Provider for ease of use by higher-level applications.
The ST19WP18-TPM solution includes the BIOS and Windows® drivers necessary for use on Windows® 2000 and XP systems. This includes the Memory Absent and Memory Present BIOS drivers, the Windows Kernel-mode driver (TDD), and the Windows user-mode driver (TDDL).
The basis of ST’s TCG 1.2 solution is the ST19WP18 single-chip Trusted Platform Module–a full-featured 8-bit microcomputer from the company’s ST19W family of security-proven MCUs with an advanced 1088-bit cryptographic co-processor supporting Public Key Infrastructure functions and dedicated to smart card and other secure applications. It includes a 33MHz Low Pin Count (LPC) Interface compliant to the Intel specification as recommended by TCG PC Client Specific Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Implementation Specification for communication with the host processor.
The ST19WP18-TPM solution, packaged in TSSOP28 is available now, at $4 in quantities of a few hundred units.
Go to http://www.wave.com for more information about Wave Systems Corporation and to http://www.ntru.com for more information about NTRU Cryptosystems.
About the Trusted Computing Group
The Trusted Computing Group (TCG) is a not-for-profit organization–of which ST is one of around 45 members–which exists to develop and promote open standards for hardware-enabled trusted computing and security technologies, including hardware building blocks and software interfaces, across multiple platforms, peripherals and devices. Its primary goal is to help users protect their information assets such as data, passwords and keys from compromise due to software attack and physical theft.
The Group was formed as a successor to the Trusted Computing Platform Alliance (TCPA), which was founded in 1999 by Compaq, HP, IBM, Intel and Microsoft. TCG has adopted the existing TCPA specifications, including the Main (TPM 1.1) specification, and PC Specific Implementation specification. A TSS (TCG Software Stack) specification was announced on September 15, 2003, and the TPM 1.2 specification on November 5, 2003. Work groups have been formed for server, PDA, and digital phone implementation specifications.
Further information is available at http://www.trustedcomputinggroup.org.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today’s convergence markets. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2003, the Company’s net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com.