Columbitech Wireless VPN Now Secures RFID Readers

Protects against third-party access to radio frequency identification data, enabler says

Protects against third-party access to radio frequency identification data, enabler says

New York — August 25, 2005 — Wireless security software developer Columbitech this announced wireless virtual private network (VPN) support for securing radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, with an update that includes security framework enhancements intended to provide specific protection for wireless communication with application systems.

With the solution and the open architecture of many RFID readers, users can easily implement third-party applications and rapidly develop new, application-specific, user-driven applications to better satisfy business goals and client mandates. Columbitech said its Wireless VPN provides flexibility by offering expanded functionality such as filtering and management capabilities.

Accurate data capture and long read ranges in installations where multiple antennas and readers are deployed in close proximity can now be ensured and secured, the solution provider said. For example, a user may securely host an application to direct the flow of goods through a warehouse or quickly and securely adapt a custom application to report the status of automated components, such as conveyors, in a manufacturing environment.

Columbitech said its Wireless VPN can be deployed to meet RFID reader challenges in different network environments. It is built on standardized protocols optimized for wireless communication to keep the security overhead to a minimum. After a period of lost radio coverage, the WVPN client automatically reconnects any VPN session through use of the "session persistence" feature. The WVPN can be tailored into customers' existing network topology and runs on a range of handheld devices, according to Columbitech.

Communicating sensitive data in an open wireless environment requires a security framework that can resist unauthorized access to the data or to the corporate network while still being convenient for end users. Columbitech said its WVPN provides the end user with a hassle-free single sign-on environment, while the wireless network technologies also prevent third parties from eavesdropping and tampering with data transmitted by RFID.

"The level of security and privacy needs to grow in proportion to deployments," said Åsa Holmstrom, president of Columbitech. "The Columbitech Wireless VPN implements the latest standards and algorithms for securing the data transmitted by RFID, the corporate network, and the RFID handheld reader."

In order to offer the user a cost-effective foundation for enterprise-class secure RFID implementations, this solution can host applications directly on the reader with an extremely small footprint, according to Columbitech.

Privately-held Columbitech has offices in Stockholm and New York.


Additional Articles of Interest

— RFID technology has the potential to change the way supply chains are managed, but in order to be effective businesses need to take a holistic look at the deployment. Read more in the SDCExec.com article "Time for RFID: Applying RFID in the Supply Chain."

— For a contrary view of the future of the RFID market, see the article "The O'RFID Factor: A 'No Spin' Look at Where Radio Frequency Identification Is Headed," in the October/November 2004 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

— For more information on trends relating to radio frequency identification (RFID), follow this link for an extensive listing of SDCExec.com articles, featuring the latest research findings on the RFID, including adoption, return on investment and barriers to implementation.


Latest