Giesecke & Devrient significantly increases the security of mobile apps working on connected devices providing its Software-based Trusted Application Kit (TAK)

Per ACT Research mobile apps are the most rapidly adopted technology in human history. More disturbingly, the Nokia Threat Intelligence Report H1 2016 indicates that mobile malware is rapidly growing, both in volume and sophistication. Mobile device infections e.g. rose 96% in the first half of 2016, compared to the 2nd half of 2015. The increased speed, power and storage space on mobile devices has driven their popularity and usage for mobile shopping, managing finances and paying bills. Consequently mobile devices are becoming valuable targets for cybercriminals. G&D is responding to this challenge introducing TAK.

“Providing TAK, G&D is broadening its portfolio of security solutions to address all markets requiring a higher level of software security across different device families ,” stated Axel Deininger, Group Senior Vice President at G&D. “App developers do not need dedicated security know-how, while TAK is ensuring a high level of security.”

App developers must maximize user reach and convenience while ensuring maximum protection for all devices, despite the lack of control of mobile devices in the field. In addition, the growing number of end-user devices, different OS versions, or regional devices are typical challenges when providing security for mobile apps. TAK addresses all these needs protecting from several attack scenarios such as e.g. code manipulation, rooting or jailbreak, man-in-the-middle-attacks, app cloning and extraction of identities. And of course, this additional level of security though does not affect the user experience.

A multitude of security mechanisms protects the user’s most confidential data. Mechanisms like device binding make the device more secure. TAK supports secure provisioning where each application is personalized for the user device and therefore enables sensitive and confidential data to be stored on the device. TAK is best suited to enhance apps where values or identities need software security protection such as mobile banking, transit and ticketing apps. Additionally, it can be applied to strengthen already existing apps and SDKs e.g. for authentication purposes.

TAK is delivered as a managed security service supporting app providers to meet their security objectives with a suite of capabilities that are efficient and cost-effective to deploy. It is a security framework consisting of a client and server component. And the integration of TAK is a matter of hours, not days. For particularly sensitive data, G&D provides its hardware-based security solutions as an ideal addition to TAK.

G&D (hall 7, stand 7A41) will present its TAK solution at Mobile Word Congress (MWC) from 27 February to 2 March 2017 in Barcelona.

About Giesecke & Devrient

Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) is a leading international technology provider headquartered in Munich, Germany. Founded in 1852, the Group has a workforce of ca. 11,400 employees and generated sales of approximately EUR 2 billion in the 2015 fiscal year. 58 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 31 countries ensure customer proximity worldwide.

G&D develops, produces, and distributes products and solutions in the payment, secure communication, and identity management sectors. G&D is a technology leader in these markets and holds a strong competitive position. The Group’s customer base mainly comprises central and commercial banks, mobile network operators, business enterprises, governments, and public authorities.