[December 09, 2013]

University of Malaya pioneers the first e-Scroll with Thales technology

Thales, leader in information systems and communications security, announces that its nShield hardware security modules (HSMs) and Time Stamp Server have been deployed by University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, to generate digital degree certificates for their graduates and so reduce the instance of counterfeiting and fraud.

Academic institutions around the world face challenges over the production of counterfeit degree certificates. University of Malaya decided to address the problem by issuing e-Scrolls or digital degree certificates to their graduates. These e-Scrolls are digitally signed and time stamped and can be authenticated online.

Each e-Scroll is digitally signed by the university's Registrar and Vice Chancellor using GlobalSign ® digital IDs. Thales (News - Alert) high assurance, tamper-resistant HSMs provide strong protection for the digital identities of the two signatories, securely storing their private signing keys and preventing unauthorized access. As part of the process, each e-Scroll is issued a secure time stamp against the Malaysian National clock (located at SIRIM) by a Thales Time Stamp Server, providing an additional layer of security and indicating the exact time and date the credential was issued.

Dr David Asirvatham, Director of IT Centre, University of Malaya says:

"More than 7,000 students graduate from the University of Malaya each year, and we feel it is our duty to present them with a certificate that has strong credibility and integrity as it is widely associated with our university. Thales provided us with the technology to allow us to issue a digitally signed and time stamped e-Scroll in a solution that is quick and simple to deploy. Not only does the e-Scroll overcome the issues of counterfeit degrees, but in a world where a growing number of graduates apply for jobs onlie, employers are able to quickly and easily validate the authenticity of the certificates. Effective 2013, all students graduating from the University of Malaya will receive an e-Scroll at their graduation ceremony in addition to a printed certificate."

Richard Mallet, Managing Director, APAC, Thales e-Security says:

"Organizations are increasingly moving from paper-based to electronic documents in order to reduce costs and increase productivity, but it is also essential that any such system provides the high levels of assurance necessary to ensure the authenticity and integrity of those documents. Thales has a wealth of experience and leading-edge products in the area of digital signatures and time stamping to protect digital signatures, making it practical for organizations, to implement these high-strength cryptographic techniques. We are particularly proud that University of Malaya chose Thales technology to deliver its innovative and secure e-Scroll."

Supporting resources:

Case study: http://www.thales-esecurity.com/knowledge-base/case-studies/university-malaya

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About Thales e-Security

Thales e-Security is a leading global provider of data encryption and cyber security solutions to the financial services, high technology, manufacturing, government and technology sectors. With a 40-year track record of protecting corporate and government information, Thales solutions are used by four of the five largest energy and aerospace companies, 22 NATO countries, and secure more than 80 percent of worldwide payment transactions. Thales e-Security has offices in Australia, France, Hong Kong, Norway, United States and the United Kingdom. www.thales-esecurity.com

About Thales

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace & Transportation and the Defence & Security markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion ($18.3 billion) with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners. www.thalesgroup.com

Positioned as a value-added systems integrator, equipment supplier and service provider, Thales is one of Europe's leading players in the security market. The Group's security teams work with government agencies, local authorities and civil operators to develop and deploy integrated, resilient solutions to protect citizens, sensitive data and critical infrastructure.

In the IT security market, the Group is one of the world leaders in cryptographic security solutions for critical government and military infrastructure, satellite constellations, enterprise customers and financial institutions. Thales's unique positioning in the marketplace derives from its ability to address every link in the security chain and deliver end-to-end security and asset protection assurance.

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