Press release

Free for publication on March 22, 2016 at 9.00 am. (CET +1)

The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority grants encryption product approval to the Digia Salpa mobile communications solution in the Bittium Tough Mobile™ smartphone

Digia Salpa – a highly secure communications solution for companies and the public sector – has been granted official encryption product approval by the National Cyber Security Centre of the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority to process national classification level IV (ST IV) material in the Bittium Tough Mobile smartphone.

Oulu, Finland, March 22, 2016 – Digia Salpa is a Finnish mobile communications solution that provides strong encryption of both calls and messages on phones, tablets and workstations. It was designed from both Finnish and European premises. The solution is intended for users who need to ensure the security and privacy of their communications and to be able to communicate confidential information. Digia Salpa can be used in communications both inside and between organisations.

Bittium’s mobile system comprises the Bittium Tough Mobile smartphone, the Bittium Secure Suite remote management software and the Bittium SafeMove Mobile VPN encryption solution. This is the first solution that has been officially approved in Finland for not only creating and processing classified material but also transferring such materials between a smartphone and back-end systems connected to it.

In December 2015, the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority granted official encryption product approval to the Bittium Tough Mobile and its management and encryption system for processing national classification level IV (ST IV) material.

The encryption product approval now also covers the Digia Salpa mobile communications solution, which is used in the smartphone to encrypt calls and messages. The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority’s assessment was based on the official Katakri 2015 auditing tool and the Authority’s guidelines for cryptographic strength requirements.

“This approved highly secure encryption solution provides companies and public administration with excellent opportunities to ensure the privacy of communications and the confidentiality of data in electronic services and online environments,” says Jarkko Saarimäki, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre.

“This approved encryption product, comprising a secure smartphone and encrypted communications, enables user-friendly communications concerning confidential matters over the phone and using other means, from instant messages to e-mails and group calls. In future, we seek to gain national classification level III (ST III) encryption product approval for this joint solution. Domestic cooperation will also safeguard growth opportunities for cybersecurity expertise and jobs in Finland,” says Sami Rantanen, Head of Industry, Public Sector, at Digia.

In May 2015, Bittium, Digia and Elisa announced their cooperation to design and implement a mobile communications service that fulfils the requirements for processing national classification level material. In this solution, Bittium is responsible for the secure smartphone and its online traffic protection, Digia for the voice and messaging encryption solutions and their back-end system, and Elisa for the provision of a highly secure end-to-end service. All three companies have strong experience in implementing secure systems and services for the public sector.

Further information:

Bittium Corporation
Jari Sankala, Senior Vice President, Sales
Tel. +358 40 344 3507

Digia Plc
Sami Rantanen, Head of Industry, Public Sector
Tel. +358 40 772 2920

Elisa Corporation
Pasi Korhonen, Vice President, B2B Networking and Cyber Services
Tel. +358 50 506 0804

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Bittium

Bittium specializes in the development of reliable, secure communications and connectivity solutions, leveraging its 30 year legacy of expertise in advanced radio communication technologies. Bittium provides innovative products and customized solutions based on its product platforms and R&D services. Complementing its communications and connectivity solutions, Bittium offers proven information security solutions for mobile devices and portable computers. Net sales of continuing operations in 2015 were EUR 56.8 million and operating profit was EUR 2.3 million. Bittium is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.bittium.com

Digia Plc

Digia is a Finnish software and service provider that helps leading organisations to develop services, manage operations and utilise information – at home and abroad. Our development is guided by the changing everyday lives of our customers. Digia employs around one thousand experts in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Russia, China, South Korea and the United States. Our net sales in 2015 totalled EUR 108 million. The company is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki exchange (DIG1V). www.digia.com

Elisa Corporation

Elisa is a telecommunications, ICT and online service company serving 2.3 million consumer, corporate and public administration organisation customers. Elisa provides environmentally sustainable services for communication and entertainment, and tools for improving operating methods and productivity of organisations. In Finland Elisa is the market leader in mobile subscriptions. Cooperation with Vodafone and Telenor enables globally competitive services. Elisa is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Large Cap with over 200,000 shareholders. Elisa's revenue in 2015 was 1.57 billion euros and it employed 4,100 people. www.elisa.com