Sharp Delivers Common Criteria Validated Data Security Kits for High-Speed, Digital IMAGER Multifunctional Systems

Business Wire, Sept 6, 2005

MAHWAH, N.J. -- Sharp Document Solutions Company of America has fortified its fight against security loopholes on corporate networks by introducing a new Data Security Kit (DSK) for its high-speed (55-70 page per minute), monochrome IMAGER(TM) MFPs (multifunction peripherals). This Common Criteria(a)-validated DSK, model AR-FR11, will help Sharp customers protect corporate intellectual property that passes through an IMAGER MFP by encrypting, overwriting and applying key security measures to the residual data.

"Security is a top concern in any business, and certain industries, such as the U.S. government and its suppliers, are required to use technology products that meet robust security protocols and guidelines," said Ed McLaughlin, president, Sharp Document Solutions Company of America. "With our new Common Criteria validation, Sharp now provides these businesses with the security they need on our fastest IMAGERs."

The addition of the new DSK means that Sharp's award-winning,(b) Common Criteria validated security offerings are available for every monochrome IMAGER in segment two and higher. Earlier this year, Sharp was recognized as the first and only manufacturer to date in the MFP industry to achieve an EAL4 (Evaluation Assurance Level Four) Common Criteria security ranking. This security validation, the highest in the copier industry, assures businesses that all documents that pass through a Sharp MFP cannot be viewed by network intruders.

The AR-FR11's addition to Sharp's line, which has an EAL3 Common Criteria security ranking, also reconfirms Sharp's commitment and undisputed document security leadership. Sharp pioneered copier security research and development in 2000, introduced MFP security to the industry and continues to lead with the most comprehensive approach, including the most advanced level of security available.

Sharp's MFP Security Strategy

Sharp secures MFPs through the firmware via the Sharp DSK, which encrypts and overwrites data stored on the hard drive. The DSK purges data from the machine's memory in both the hard drive's RAM and temporary ROM by writing over the information an industry-leading seven times.

Sharp further secures the MFP with a network interface card that creates a virtual firewall to manage MFP access using port management and IP/MAC address filtering. Additionally, since fax lines can access an MFP's internal systems and ultimately the network, Sharp's MFP architecture separates the fax telephone line from the network line. This approach prevents executable viruses and similar infections from using the MFP's fax line to enter a company's network.

For more information about security for the complete line of Sharp multifunction peripherals and digital systems, contact Sharp Document Solutions Company of America, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at sharpusa.com or sharpusa.com/security.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multifunctional office solutions, solar energy and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(R) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Carousel(R) microwaves, IMAGER(TM) digital multifunctional systems, and Notevision(R) multimedia projectors. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.

(a) Common Criteria is the internationally recognized standard for IT security testing that is managed by NIAP. NIAP is a U.S. government initiative that aims to increase the level of trust consumers have in their information systems and networks through the use of cost-effective security testing, evaluation and validation programs. There are seven levels of EAL validation and EAL4 is the level that most companies require. EAL4 represents a significant increase over EAL3 by requiring that the product is methodically designed, tested and reviewed with security as a key focus.

(b) Sharp was awarded a BERTL's Best of 2005 Award for "Best Security Solution Suite."