Good Technology expands Android security options

Summary:The security rollout marks Good's first implementation of a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and secure key storage for enterprise mobility management.

Mobile security provider Good Technology on Tuesday released a set of security options that puts hardware-backed security capabilities into all Good-secured Android apps.

The rollout marks Good's first implementation of a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and secure key storage for enterprise mobility management since the standard was adopted by Android handset manufacturers. The standard is an industry effort to bring hardware key protection and higher security to a range of Android devices.

The Good TEE ensures container keys cannot be extracted or cracked by brute-force attacks even if the device is rooted. The TEE also kicks in if the Android OS has been compromised, blocking a user's PIN from malicious interception by an infected app.

Driving Good's TEE effort is a partnership with cybersecurity firm Intercede, which sees Good utilizing the company's over-the-air MyTAM Trusted Application provisioning service to deliver its secure UI and key-store functions.

Good said it is targeting regulated markets such as financial services, government and healthcare with the TEE capabilities.

"Security and usability don't have to be a zero-sum game," said Nicko van Someren, CTO of Good Technology, in a statement. "With the Good Trusted Execution Environment IT can ease end user requirements, such as allowing much shorter and more memorable PIN codes, without lessening security of corporate data."

The rollout of the Good TEE is a follow up to earlier efforts to bolster Android adoption in the enterprise. In February, Good strengthened its relationship with Korean consumer electronics giant Samsung for the creation Good for Samsung Knox.

The joint product paired Good's app container and ecosystem with the Knox enterprise security platform for Android, essentially creating a Good-secured domain within a Knox-secured Android operating system. At the time of launch, the companies said Good for Samsung Knox would help eliminate virus and malware concerns that come with Android adoption in the enterprise.

Source : - zdnet