BeCrypt Acquires Enhanced-Level Government Security Software In Multi-Million Pound Deal

BeCrypt, the leading UK encryption security company, has acquired the rights to Serco’s Data Sentry encryption software. The multi-million pound deal will ensure that BeCrypt can extend its provision of UK Government-approved encryption software to existing and new customers throughout the UK Government and defence contractors. Additionally the companies have agreed to work together for an initial three-year period on additional products and features which will form part of future BeCrypt product releases. BeCrypt has acquired the Intellectual Property Rights to all of Serco’s Data Sentry software. This includes the commercial versions of the software as well as the UK Baseline and Enhanced Grade software that have been approved by the UK Government’s Information Assurance (IA) arm of GCHQ, the Communication Electronic Security Group. The group runs the CESG Approved Product Scheme (CAPS) under which encryption products are cryptographically verified by CESG to Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) cryptographic standards and formally approved for use by the government and other appropriate organisations. BeCrypt will integrate the software into the existing BeCrypt product range and distribute the software through selected BeCrypt Reseller and System Integrator Partners. The Serco Data Sentry Enhanced product will be renamed and sold as DISK Protect - Enhanced™ and sold alongside BeCrypt CESG-approved Baseline products DISK Protect™ and PDA Protect™. DISK Protect - Enhanced will run on the current Microsoft Operating Systems Windows NT, 2000 and XP. DISK Protect - Enhanced will be the only CESG-approved software encryption solution available to handle protectively marked Enhanced (Secret and below) HMG data on computers running Microsoft Windows XP software. BeCrypt and Serco have concluded an agreement that will ensure that existing Serco Data Sentry customers are not disadvantaged during the transfer of ownership of the software to BeCrypt. Serco will continue to take an active interest in the success of the Data Sentry technology and work with BeCrypt to ensure a successful software product integration program.