Cambridge, Mass. - Funk Software, a leading provider of network access security products, today announced Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition, a new edition of its secure, low-overhead 802.1X supplicant for wireless and wired LAN access that is FIPS-certified and fully FIPS-compliant - allowing government agencies for the first time to deploy secure, scalable wireless LAN access based on the open 802.1X and 802.11i security standards.
Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition incorporates the Odyssey Security Component, a cryptographic module recently certified by NIST and the Canada Communications Security Establishment as FIPS 140-2 Level 1 compliant (see FIPS 140-2 Certificate #569). Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition operates in a FIPS-compliant manner using EAP-TLS authentication, 802.11i (WPA2) key derivation, and AES data encryption. Both standard 802.11i data encryption and the xSec encryption protocol are supported.
Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition offers numerous benefits to government agencies, including:
FIPS 140-2 Level 1 certification, fully meeting government requirements for secure wireless network access - Government agencies can now deploy WLAN access in a FIPS-compliant manner, using Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition.
Standards-based WLAN access provides interoperability, scalability - Government agencies no longer must rely on complex, proprietary security solutions in order to meet directives for FIPS-compliance. Now they can deploy Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition, based on open standards, and gain wider scope in equipment choice, better scalability to meet evolving network requirements, and increased flexibility in providing WLAN access to consultants, contractors, or other authorized visitors.
Low-overhead solution reduces support and administration costs - Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition incorporates numerous powerful functions - including pre-configuration tools, client lockdown, and usability features - that ensure speedy deployment across all client devices, simplified management, assurance of security via enforced user settings, rapid adoption by the end user population, and greatly reduced support and training costs.
Ability to require FIPS mode operation - Government IT staff can enforce use of FIPS-compliant operation by WLAN clients using Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition lockdown features. The client can be forced to always operate in a FIPS-compliant manner; or, it can be forced to operate in a FIPS-compliant manner whenever it connects to the agency network, while allowing non-FIPS operation when connecting to hotspot or other networks.
"Because of its strong security, easy deployment, and client lockdown capabilities, Odyssey Client has always been the 802.1X supplicant of choice for enterprises," said Joe Ryan, vice president of Funk Software. "Now, government agencies too can realize all the benefits of a wireless infrastructure without compromising the stringent security requirements they must adhere to."
The components of a secure WLAN access solution based on Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition include:
Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition, a special edition of Odyssey Client, Funk Software's secure, easily deployed 802.1X supplicant, which incorporates the FIPS 140-2 Level 1 certified Odyssey Security Component.
FIPS-compliant access equipment, such as that from Aruba Networks, Cisco Systems, and others. Funk Software has collaborated closely with both Aruba Networks and Cisco Systems to ensure compatibility with their FIPS-compatible equipment.
A FIPS-compliant RADIUS server, such as Funk Software's Steel-Belted RadiusR (available early 2006), which authenticates the user and configures the secure connection between the client and access equipment.
Odyssey Client Overview
Odyssey Client is the 802.1X access client that is most suitable for
deployment on enterprise networks. Its multi-platform, multi-protocol
support ensures compatibility in any environment, whether on the secure
enterprise WLAN or wired 802.1X network, or at a public WLAN hotspot.
Advanced pre-configuration tools enable rapid, automated deployment across
every wireless PC on the network, significantly reducing deployment costs
associated with WLAN access. And, numerous user conveniences provide a
simple user experience to ensure rapid adoption by the end user population,
significantly reducing support and training costs associated with WLAN
access. No other 802.1X client packs this triple punch.
Now, Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition brings these same benefits to government agencies, while also meeting their security requirements laid out in FIPS 140-2.
Odyssey Client runs on Windows XP, 2000, 98, Me, Windows Mobile 2003 and Pocket PC 2002. Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition runs on Windows XP and 2000. Both products support EAP-TTLS, EAP-PEAP, EAP-TLS, EAP-FAST, EAP-SIM, and LEAP authentication methods, and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and dynamic WEP encryption protocols.
Odyssey Client was selected by the Wi-Fi Alliance for inclusion in their WPA2 certification test bed.
Pricing and Availability
Odyssey Client/FIPS Edition is currently available for customer trials
directly from Funk Software, and through Funk Software's worldwide network
of authorized partners. A 25-Client license, including an annual maintenance
and support contract, costs $1,781.25.
