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New Managed Encryption Service Protects UK Government Data Up To Confidential Marking

LONDON, UK – 4 September 2007 – Government security specialist, Regency IT Consulting, has partnered with Policy Networking leader, AEP Networks, to launch a third-party managed encryption service designed to protect UK Government data up to ‘Confidential' marking which is communicated over Public networks.

The service is designed for Government departments, agencies, police forces and defence contractors who, because they have a limited need for sending encrypted data across networks, find it more difficult to justify the in-house start-up and management costs of encrypted communications.

“We have identified requirements in a number of Public Sector organisations for small scale encrypted links between sites and for home or mobile workers (including ministers, very senior staff and on-call critical workers) that need protected remote access links,” said Steve Lewis V-P Business Development from AEP Networks. “But they are put off by the initial investment in equipment and skills development needed to design, implement and manage encrypted communications. And this is where Regency's offering can be really valuable.”

The service will be delivered by Regency IT Consulting's team of security specialists, many of whom have previously held senior positions within Government Information Security and have extensive experience with managing cryptographic systems. It will rely on the AEP Net series of encryptors designed for protected Virtual Private Network (VPN) communications, and the AEP Net Remote portable encryptor for mobile remote communication. Regency IT Consulting will set up and remotely manage all aspects of encrypted communications for customers including:

• Key Management – maintenance of up-to-date encryptor certificates (annual after the initial rollout)
• Crypto Custodian Services – the handling and recording of key material within formal Crypto procedures
• Network Configuration – maintenance of encryptor IP addressing
• Support – support of encryption solution with partner level access to AEP Networks' support staff for escalation if required.
• Audit Review – routine review and report on auditable events

“We're offering a high quality managed encryption service for those parts of Government that either do not have the in-house expertise and resources or need a more cost effective option to implementing and managing encrypted communications,” said Andrew Beckett, a Director of Regency IT Consulting, whose experience within Government Information Security includes holding a senior role within the CESG, the UK National Technical Authority for Information Security.

About Regency IT Consulting
Regency IT Consulting is a fast growing company offering Security Consultancy and Managed Services from their secure premises in Cheltenham, Their team is led by one of the UK's most experienced and capable Infosec practitioners and contains CESG Listed Advisor Scheme (CLAS) registered consultants, qualified BS7799/ISO27001 Lead Auditors; National Systems Accreditors and CRAMM practitioners. Many of their consultants are also PRINCE2 project management practitioners, able not only to recommend, plan and implement a solution to recognised quality standards, but also to adapt the methodology to the needs of a particular client, requirement or circumstance. Their other Managed Security Services include: Accreditation Management services; BS7799/ISO27001 Gap analysis, Implementation, certification preparation and compliance monitoring; Risk Assessment and Management; GSi/CJX Accreditation and re-accreditation and Managed Protective Monitoring Services.

About AEP Networks
AEP Networks offers a comprehensive Policy Networking solution that provides complete security starting at the endpoints and working throughout a network – from the edge to the core. AEP 's integrated portfolio of security products includes network admission control enforcement points, identity-based application security gateways, SSL VPNs, high assurance IPSec-based VPN encryptors, and hardware security modules for key management. Our products address the most demanding security requirements of public-sector organizations and commercial enterprises internationally. The company is headquartered in Somerset , New Jersey , with offices worldwide.

About AEP NET and AEP NET Remote
AEP Net is an independently assured CESG Enhanced Grade encryptor that protects IP traffic across networks. AEP Net provides both data confidentiality and source authentication for network traffic enabling high confidence Virtual Private Network (VPN) communications. AEP Networks' solution has a proven track record of protecting National and International classified networks.

AEP Net Remote secures personal remote access communications to Enhanced Grade standard. Using Net Remote, an organisation can enable its mobile workforce to access Classified data over the Internet at costs previously associated with commercial remote access.

AEP Networks, the AEP Networks logo, and NACpoint are trademarks of AEP Networks, Inc., with registration pending in the United States. Netilla, SmartGate, SmartPass and SmartAdmin are registered trademarks of AEP Networks, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.