Industry giants create new secure tablet that offers mobile computing to Top Secret

The Secure Venue Tablet is a new mobile computer for the NATO and “Five Eyes” community, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The specialized tablet combines the portability of a tablet and the power of a laptop, along with the ability to secure data up to Top Secret (United Kingdom and Canada) and Secret (NATO) accredited levels. Dell Inc., ViaSat Inc, Microsoft Corp., Intel Corp., and SST, part of API Technologies Corp. are collaborating to launch the new product. Orders are being taken now with first shipments expected in January 2015.

The new secure tablet offers superior portability and functionality with industry-leading security features. With the high performing Dell Venue™ 11 Pro Tablet as its foundation, it features an Intel Core i5 Processor (4th generation), and supports the Windows® 8.1 Pro operating system. The tablet is supported by Dell’s global ProSupport, which offers direct access to OEM technical support engineers. The secure tablet for Top Secret data encryption was developed as part of a multi-company collaboration between Dell, SST, and ViaSat, and in conjunction with technology partners Microsoft and Intel.

“Working in a secure environment is a key priority nowadays when users need to trust their mobile devices to be secure and reliable,” said Dermot O’Connell, general manager, Dell OEM Solutions EMEA. “Dell’s OEM technology is easy to customize, globally supported, and plays a key part in this solution, and we are very proud to partner together with SST and ViaSat UK on this solution for NATO and the defence industry.”

Built-in security features include an integrated, industry-leading ViaSat Eclypt® drive, accredited to hold Top Secret data by both the CESG, the information security arm of Britain’s GCHQ, as well as the Government of Canada. The Eclypt drive is also accredited to secure NATO Secret information and below, with dual-factor authentication through a soft keyboard. Future versions will support the Venue 11 integrated smart card reader or finger print readers. Additional security features include a TPM 1.2 chip and Noble lock slot that can prevent physical theft of the device.

SST, part of API Technologies’ Secure Systems and Information Assurance (SSIA) Group is providing secure engineering, integration, and information assurance testing. With over 25 years of experience in the design, manufacture, and testing of security products and the provision of accredited services, SST is a NATO recognized and UK Defense listed supplier of security products and services plus a TEMPEST provider.

“Microsoft’s collaboration with NATO is an ongoing part of its longstanding commitment to supporting military and security operations worldwide,” said Jamie Wylly, general manager, worldwide public safety and national security, Microsoft. “The Secure Venue Tablet continues in this tradition, connecting people, systems, and information across NATO and the defense community. All this is backed by the assurance of industry-leading security and protection, for uninterrupted progress on the world’s most pressing peace and defense missions.”