SAIC signs on with security vendor

Science Applications International Corp. of San Diego has agreed to partner with Priva Technologies Inc. to provide end-to-end authentication solutions to government agencies, the companies announced today.

"We are working with Priva to provide added value to our government customers [and] strong authentication across all access points and devices," said Bernie Krauss, chief security strategist in SAIC's Enterprise Security Solutions division.

Dunn Loring, Va.-based Priva has developed what it calls the Cleared Security Platform. It is an auditable, customizable authentication infrastructure that builds on traditional multifactor approaches, the company said.

The platform consists of a secure ClearedKey USB biometric token and ClearedHost authentication server. Unlike other biometric readers that users can plug into their PCs, the ClearedKey has an on-board processor that extends the trusted security platform all the way to the biometric reader level.

According to Priva, the solution includes strong authentication, advanced digital signatures and non-repudiation audit trails that offer secure single sign-on and data encryption and support of multiple authentication policies within an organization.

Priva demonstrated its system at Washington Technology offices. As befits an authentication solution that aims for widespread use in government, the ClearedKey reader was easy to set up and use.

The platform is highly programmable, with an application programming interface that allows agencies to control levels of authentication for various systems and functions. It is also flexible. Because the biometric reader has built-in intelligence, agencies can require that end users put multiple fingers on the reader in a specific order before they can use the system.

"Our multifactor authentication solution offers customers a flexible and customizable platform to meet diverse and ever-changing security policies," said Priva President Jeff Minushkin. "We have built our authentication solution from the ground up, and offer federal agencies a highly secure platform that exceeds the government's strict FIPS 140-2 Level 2 standard."

Privately help Priva Technologies was founded in 1999. The company has research and development facilities in Cupertino, Calif.

SAIC reported $5.9 billion in revenue for its fiscal 2003. The company ranked No. 3 on Washington Technology's 2003 Top 100 list, which measures federal contracting revenue.