Source: STMicroelectronics N.V.

STMicroelectronics Reveals Advanced Security Module for Smart-Grid Fortification and Reliability

Ready-to-use secure element, personalized and certified to leading smart-grid security standards, combines robust protection with unique flexibility

Geneva, February 19, 2014 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leader in digital security, has introduced KERKEY(TM): an advanced security module that prevents malicious attacks on smart-grid gateways, concentrators, and smart meters. While meeting very high industry-security standards, KERKEY can be personalized to meet individual customer requirements.

In creating KERKEY, ST is building on its successful track record in e-government, transportation, banking, and consumer sectors, with over 1 billion secure elements supplied for numerous embedded-security projects worldwide. Leveraging the robust architecture of ST's secure-processor family, KERKEY delivers the benefits of a proven hardware foundation that satisfies CC EAL6+ Penetration Testing for smart-card ICs and FIPS-140 Penetration Testing for Multiple-Chip Cryptographic Modules.

Certified to Common Criteria (CC[1]) EAL4+ and AVA-VAN level 5[2], as well as fulfilling the BSI[3] Protection Profile for smart-grid security modules, KERKEY is the first device of its type to support the Java Card operating system (JC2.2). This allows efficient implementation of cryptographic services using a Java applet, and enhances flexibility to differentiate features at the application level. KERKEY is delivered as a ready-to-use security module that requires only a small amount of final configuration.

 "Governments and utilities have identified a secure and trusted smart grid as essential for satisfying greater demand for electricity while increasing reliance on greener energy sources such as wind and solar," said Marie-France Florentin, Group Vice President and General Manager of the Secure Microcontroller Division, STMicroelectronics. "KERKEY allows equipment producers to meet the highest security standards cost-effectively using a single chip that offers unparalleled flexibility to customize and differentiate their applications."

Samples of ST's KERKEY secure element for smart-grid security modules are available now, in the QFN32 package with ISO-7816 and I2C interfaces.

About STMicroelectronics
ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the spectrum of sense and power and automotive products and embedded processing solutions. From energy management and savings to trust and data security, from healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office, at work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and innovative contribution to people's life. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.

In 2013, the Company's net revenues were $8.08 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

For Press Information Contact:

STMicroelectronics
Michael Markowitz
Director Technical Media Relations
+1 781 591 0354
michael.markowitz@st.com


[1] A framework for electronic security recognized internationally as ISO/IEC 15408:2005

[2] Passing the AVA-VAN vulnerability assessment at level 5 ensures high resistance against malicious attacks

[3] The German Federal Office for Information Security, one of the world's leading organizations developing smart-grid security standards

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