SafeNet Selected as Digital Identity Solution Provider for e-Passport Projects in Fourteen Countries; Hardware Security Modules Deployed to Ensure Data Authenticity and Integrity for Immigration Departments

Business Wire, July 24, 2006

BALTIMORE -- SafeNet, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFNT), setting the standard for information security, today announced its Hardware Security Modules (HSM), have been selected by government immigration departments in fourteen countries including Australia, Finland, France, Iceland, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand to secure the Electronic Passport Projects.

E-Passport Projects are managed by local government immigration departments as a preventive measure to combat irregular immigration and unauthorized data alteration. The passport is embedded with a chip containing personal information, a biometric identifier of the passport holder and a digital signature. Digital signatures are a proven technology for data protection which reduces the risk of fraud and in turn reduces passport theft.

The authenticity of a digital signature is only as trustworthy and secure as the corresponding digital signing key. SafeNet HSMs are purpose-built hardware appliances that protect the digital signing key. The SafeNet HSM family of products comprises a range of hardware security solutions for digital identity applications, available in both embedded and stand-alone versions, to meet customer needs. SafeNet HSM products feature true hardware key management to maintain the integrity of encryption keys. Sensitive keys are created, stored and used exclusively within the secure confines of the hardware security module to prevent compromise.

SafeNet HSMs provide advanced features including direct hardware-to-hardware backup, split user role administration, multi-person authentication and trusted path authentication coupled with proven security and operational deployment experience in some of the largest PKIs in the world.

"We are proud to be selected by government immigration departments around the globe for their e-Passport Projects," said Chris Fedde, senior vice president and general manager, SafeNet Enterprise Division. "This selection reflects the worldwide recognition that SafeNet's FIPS and CC validated HSMs provide the highest possible level of security."

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standardizes the format of biometric identifier in electronic passport. It also defines a methodology to protect the data in the chip of electronic passport. To ensure data authenticity and integrity, data in the chip has to be digitally signed by the respective digital identity of the issuing agency. When the electronic passport holder reaches a customs entry desk, the customs officer verifies the personal information and biometric identifier stored in the chip. The electronic passport with biometrics identifier has been recognized as the new standard for Machine Readable Travel Document (MRTD).

About SafeNet, Inc.

SafeNet is a global leader in information security. Founded more than 20 years ago, the company provides complete security utilizing its encryption technologies to protect communications, intellectual property and digital identities, and offers a full spectrum of products including hardware, software, and chips. UBS, Nokia, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Bank of America, Adobe, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Samsung, Texas Instruments, the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and scores of other customers entrust their security needs to SafeNet. For more information, visit www.safenet-inc.com.