The secure modems help maintain remote connectivity during IP outages with the highest levels of security

The Tracker 2720 `Key' and 2730 `Lock' provide secure access to a remote serial device over a standard dial-up connection. AES encryption technology is used to provide a unique challenge/response to incoming calls.

The Problem

Providing a standard modem to access a remote device can raise serious security concerns, especially if the device is connected to a corporate LAN. Many devices use a simple password to protect access, but these could be publicized and not routinely changed. This level of protection is unlikely to satisfy an increasingly security conscious market. The Tracker lock and key combination solves this problem.

The Solution

The Tracker 2720 `key' is connected to your central site computer or an engineer's laptop. It is programmed with an encrypted secret and a unique ID. It acts as an ordinary modem, so you do not need any special software. The Tracker 2730 `lock' is connected to the remote device and is programmed with the same secret.

If a call is made to the remote device, the Tracker 2730 `lock' answers the call and issues a unique challenge. It is impossible to respond unless you have a correct key. The Tracker 2730 will issue a response to the challenge. If both Trackers are using the same secret then stage 1 of the authentication will pass. In stage 2, the Tracker 2730 `lock' checks the unique ID of the calling Tracker 2720 `key' against its previously configured Access and Deny lists. If it is allowed access, the caller is connected to the device. All of this takes place across the phone line between the two Trackers; it is totally transparent to the user.

The Access and Deny lists in the Tracker 2730 `lock', together with the unique ID in the Tracker 2720 `key', gives you control over the individual devices that engineers or administrators can access. You can also use the list to deny any keys that have been lost.

Simple Integration

The Tracker Lock and Key solution can be easily integrated into your existing management system; it requires no special software or user training. So you can provide secure dial-up access that will meet the requirements of the most security conscious customers and result in a rapid return on your investment. Contact us to talk about your specific requirements or download a copy of the literature.

The Secret

A character secret is programmed into each Tracker Lock and Key. These can be supplied as:

• A Data Track standard secret
• A unique, organization specific secret programmed by Data Track
• A blank secret that an organization can change to a unique secret, known only to itself

In order to authenticate, the Tracker Lock and Key must share the same secret; there are billions upon billions upon billions of combinations. The challenge utilizes the Advanced Encryption System (AES) algorithm, which is approved by the NSA for use by the US Government for classified information.