Tough Enough: Sybase Breakthrough Handheld Security?
Tough Enough: Sybase Breakthrough Handheld Security? By: Eric Everson, Founder of MyMobiSafe.com
This month many may have noticed that Sybase iAnywhere has released their latest “next gen” handset security solution. For many enterprise users the greatest claim this software boasts is message encryption.
As the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, any “breakthrough” (as described in the Sybase press release) warrants my special attention. In learning about the new Sybase product, I must contend that for typical enterprise message encryption this is likely a great tool. Those familiar with the flagship “Afaria” solution are sure to derive added value from the advanced message encryption offered in this new suite.
As mobile data encryption is a specialization of mine, the greatest shortcoming I noticed was the flimsy 128-bit encryption that the program utilizes. The idea of encryption is to create a barrier that can not be penetrated, however as we know “cracking” software is abundant. There are many cracking applications that can drive through standard 128-bit in about 60 seconds or less (i.e. kisMac).
This essentially suggests that if one was targeting the handset level, the right hybrid cracker could be deployed to “breakthrough” this Sybase Breakthrough Handheld Security solution. As a leading mobile encryption expert, I might recommend the adoption of a 256-bit standard to the Sybase development team. With a 256-bit standard there are fewer tools which translates into less barrier penetration. I am not trying to discredit the new Sybase suite as I think it adds a layer of protection that is much needed throughout enterprise messaging. On the other hand, it seems like bad word choice to use the words “Breakthrough” and “Security” in the title of a press release for a technology hinged on 128-bit encryption.
What do I know… I’m just the resident “Mobile Security Guru”. : )
Cheers, Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com
In ref to: http://www.mobileburn.com/pressrelease.jsp?Id=4260