ARX Enables Microsoft SQL Server 2008 to Secure Sensitive Information Using PrivateServer HSM

San Francisco, California May 12, 2009

ARX (Algorithmic Research) announced today that it has released an EKM plug-in for its highly regarded PrivateServer™ HSM. The Extensible Key Management feature enables vendors to integrate with the SQL Server 2008 and provide cryptographic capabilities such as bulk encryption, decryption, and key management functions. By adding EKM to PrivateServer's growing list of supported API's, PrivateServer HSM can now serve as an external cryptographic provider, alleviating SQL's operations and significantly enhancing operational security. Via this feature, any organization that uses Microsoft SQL Server 2008 as its database engine can now use PrivateServer HSM to secure sensitive information in its database. A significant advantage of this new feature is that it does not require any further development or integration by the application developer or database administrator.

The PrivateServer EKM provider is suitable for any organization that is bound to the PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) regulations that require encryption of sensitive information such as credit card numbers.

The benefits gained with PrivateServer's integration with Microsoft SQL Server include:

• Execution of all cryptographic operations and storage of virtually an unlimited number of keys, all within the secured PrivateServer HSM enclosure 
• High performance of bulk cryptographic operations provides the best cost-effective solution for database security 
• Support for multiple user sessions (each potentially having multiple keys) with secured authentication and login. 

"EKM significantly enhances the value of PrivateServer HSM and provides additional incentives for organizations that are in the market for an HSM or increased security for their Microsoft SQL work," said Gadi Aharoni, CEO, ARX. 

PrivateServer is ARX’s highly secure (FIPS 140-2 Level 3), network attached, Hardware Security Module (HSM) that provides a secure environment for data encryption. PrivateServer conducts sensitive cryptographic operations, secure key storage, and management of a large number of keys. Read more at www.arx.com/products/hsm.php.

Algorithmic Research (ARX) is a leading global provider of electronic-signature and data-security solutions. The company offers a wide range of high-end and state-of-the-art products and services designed to simplify, secure, and accelerate electronic transactions. ARX specializes in designing and implementing easy to use, simple to deploy, electronic signature and security solutions, combining software and hardware products, for small, medium and large computing environments. Visit us at www.arx.com.

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