| Windows phone meets NSA top secret standards |
Mar. 24, 2008
 General Dynamics has released a Windows-based phone meeting Federal standards for classified phone calls and secure network access. The Sectera Edge meets National Security Agency (NSA) requirements for Top Secret voice information, and provides access to the SIPRNet (secret internet procotol router network), the company says.
(Click here for a larger view of the Sectera Edge)
As the picture to the left shows, the Sectera Edge resembles an ordinary QWERTY smartphone, but below its display is a secondary LCD that reminds a user whether or not the network being accessed is "trusted." The device's phone and PDA capabilities can be used either in standard, unclassified mode, or in a classified mode that turns on continuous voice/data encryption and other features. Buttons on either side of the trusted display are provided for switching modes.
The Sectera Edge has one set of memory (both RAM and flash storage) for each mode, effectively making it two PDAs sharing a single case. Whether the device uses Windows Mobile or a customized version of the Windows CE core was not stated, but standard tools such as Internet Explorer Mobile, Wordpad, and Office viewers are said to be available in either mode.
In classified mode, the phone implements SCIP (Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol) for voice calls, incorporating encryption and voice compression. SCIP uses the MELP (mixed excitation linear prediction) or G.729D codecs. The Sectera Edge also supports the NSA's HAIPE IS (high assurance internet protocol encryptor interoperability specification), allowing it to access secure networks.
The Sectera Edge has a top-mounted CAC (common access card slot) and other special features
(Click to enlarge)
Another unusual hardware feature of the Sectera Edge is its top-mounted slot for a CAC (common access card). CACs contain PKI (public key infrastructure) certificates that allow users to encrypt and digitally sign email. PKI is useful when an unsecured network, such as the Internet or NIPRNET (unclassified but sensitive Internet protocol router network) must be employed, General Dynamics explains.
As mentioned earlier, the Sectera Edge is also compatible with the SIPRNet (secret internet procotol router network). It is certified to protect voice communications classified Top Secret and below, and email and websites classified Secret and below, according to the company. A "SCIF-friendly" key at the top of the device cuts off all wireless functionality, as is required when entering SCIFs (sensitive compartmented information facilities).
Despite its special features, the Sectera Edge can operate with ordinary commercial cellular networks worldwide. Interchangeable wireless modules make it compatible with GSM and CDMA systems and can also add 802.11b/g wireless local area networking.
The Sectera Edge has a 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen display, QWERTY keyboard, and microSD slot for memory expansion. By design, there is no camera, but the phone does provide entertainment in the form of a 2.5mm stereo headset jack and Windows Media Player software.
Finally, the device meets MIL-STD-810F standards for resistance to water intrusion, dust, shock, vibration, altitude, and other parameters. It can be operated at up to 140 deg. F, and stored at up to 167 deg. F, General Dynamics says.
Features and specifications listed by General Dynamics for the Sectera Edge include:- Processor -- not disclosed
- Memory -- not disclosed, but has separate RAM and ROM for unclassified and classified modes
- Display -- 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen display
- Wireless interfaces:
- WAN -- GSM (850/900/1800/1900)/EDGE, GSM (850/1900/2100) UMTS/HSDPA, or CDMA (800/1900) 1xRTT, CDMA (800/1900) EV-DO Rel. A
- WAN -- 802.11b/g (optional)
- Other I/O:
- 1 x USB
- 1 x serial (operable in classified mode only)
- 2.5mm stereo headset jack
- Expansion -- microSD slot
- Dimensions and weight -- not disclosed
- Operating temperature -9 to 140 deg. F
Pricing for the Sectera Edge was not revealed, but the device is available now, according to General Dynamics.
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