Intel Corp. and Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. announced Wednesday that they are working together on developing enhanced VPN-based security systems for notebook PCs based on Intels Centrino mobile technology.
The companies say they are aiming to provide automated, hardware-based security systems for wireless connections, especially for users who regularly use public wireless hot spots. Among the key features the companies hope to deliver is a VPN capable of launching automatically whenever the notebook associates with a wireless access point.
Security—or the lack thereof—has been a major concern for many enterprises that have considered issuing their mobile employees notebooks equipped with wireless LAN cards. Many wireless access points, particularly those in public places such as airports and downtown areas, do not require or even support secure connections. As a result, many enterprises layer a VPN on top of the WLAN connection in order to hook into the corporate network.
The new Intel-Check Point solution will also support two-factor authentication on machines that incorporate the Trusted Platform Module. The TPM is a hardened micro-controller that handles cryptographic operations, including RSA encryption and decryption, hashing and random-number generation.
Intel, based in Santa Clara, Calif., developed the TPM as part of its participation in the Trusted Computing Platform Alliance. Intels Centrino technology comprises the Pentium M mobile processor, the 855 chipset family and the PRO wireless network connection. The system is designed to deliver enhanced performance while conserving battery power.
Check Point, based in Israel, will develop an enhanced version of its VPN-1 SecureClient software as part of the new partnership.