AMD Taps UK Startup To Improve Mobile Security In Next-Gen Processors

Chip giant AMD (AMD) has tapped a small U.K. startup to integrate security technology into processors that will protect against the loss and theft of mobile data.

ExactTrak was founded in 2008 but stayed fairly under the radar until 2012, when it attracted some attention for Security Guardian, the technology AMD will license for its next generation of microprocessors.

Security Guardian is a USB key that allows users to turn on and off or destroy data remotely without the need for that USB to be connected to a host device or the Internet, according to ExactTrak. It also allows users to track its location and send instructions to the key via a cloud-based management console using Security Guardian’s battery, GPS, GSM and satellite functionality.

Companies can give employees Security Guardian USB keys for their devices and then control those devices individually from the management console, giving them remote security control. This includes the ability to turn on, off or completely destroy the data; limit the times or locations in which the data can be accessed; and monitor when information on the key has been added, deleted, copied or printed.

With mobile device security a growing concern as more and more enterprise users connect to corporate networks via smartphones, tablets and other devices outside of the traditional office, adding security at the component level seems an extremely good idea. With Security Guardian embedded in mobile devices through its integration with AMD processors, enterprise data will be protected even if a device is stolen or a hacker gains access to its data.

“Data and the number of mobile devices are increasing every day which makes mobile data security a very real challenge for businesses and one that we’re happy to be working with ExactTrak to tackle head on,” said Roy Taylor, corporate vice president of Alliances at AMD, about the partnership, in a press statement.

Norman Shaw, founder and CEO of ExactTrak, said that AMD’s confidence in Security Guardian represents a change in how the enterprise is beginning to deal with data security from a mobile perspective. “We believe it has the teeth to enable mobile data security on a global scale,” he said.

ExactTrak will develop an exclusive range of security modules for AMD’s next-generation processors and also will work with the chip vendor’s extensive partner network to improve data security through Security Guardian, Shaw added.

ExactTrak and AMD plan to embed Security Guardian mobile data security modules in AMD chips in the coming months, with a goal to go to market with commercial devices later this year.