Aladdin Ships Next-Generation, Secure USB Authentication Token and Announces Strategic Technology Partner.

Business & Technology Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 18, 2000

Gecko Internet Partners With Aladdin for eToken R2 Authentication

Solutions

Aladdin Knowledge Systems (NASDAQ: ALDN), a global leader in the field of Internet content and software security, has announced that its new USB security token, eToken R2, is now being shipped to customers worldwide. Aladdin also announced that Gecko Internet joined Aladdin's eToken Technology Partner Program.

Gecko Internet, the fastest growing Web design, hosting and e-commerce solution company in the United Kingdom, has embraced the new eToken R2 as the basis for secure Web authentication solutions. Based in Tolworth Tower, Kingston, Gecko has more than 200 clients and is growing quickly.

"The eToken Technology Partnership between Aladdin and Gecko Internet is a superb match of Gecko's cutting-edge Web design expertise and eToken's enhanced security for Web based e-commerce," said Joe Krull, Aladdin's Vice President, eToken. "We look forward to joining forces to bring new, user-friendly Web applications that make the Web commerce experience both fun and highly secure."

Gecko, which is now offering eToken's authentication capabilities to its clients, considers its partnership with Aladdin to be an invaluable addition to its security efforts. It sees the benefits of such strong security in both its large and small clients.

"As experts in offering Internet solutions to corporations of all sizes, we are aware of the increasing security implications the Web raises," said Daniel Schindler, Gecko's CEO. "To this end, we at Gecko Internet are delighted to announce a Technology Partnership with Aladdin. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship."

The patent-pending eToken R2 is the first USB-based hardware device that can be used to encrypt information, store user passwords, private keys and digital certificates for authentication solutions. It is an excellent tool for protecting revenue-generating Web sites and e-commerce entities and is also appropriate for local area networks (LANs), virtual private networks (VPNs) and mobile computing.

"An increasing number of companies want to give restricted access to their web site for employees and business partners," said Michael Glass, Vice President, Sales at Aladdin's UK office. "Passwords are not secure enough and existing solutions are both too expensive and cumbersome. eToken is easy to use, highly secure and price efficient. Partnering with Gecko Internet, one of the UK's fastest growing web developers, means that we will be able to offer our highly portable security solution to their ever increasing list of high profile clients."

About eToken

The eToken R2 is a USB token about the size of a normal house key. It is the only token currently available which utilizes as its underlying technology the robust DESX symmetric encryption algorithm with a key length of 120 bits. Unlike other USB security tokens, the eToken R2 contains open, non-proprietary standards, making integration and security certification quick and smooth. The product supports a wide range of standards including Microsoft CAPI, and PKCS#11 v2.01, PC/SC, SSLv3 and S/MIME. Aladdin first announced R2 in May 2000 and is now able to ship the token in commercial quantities to all major market areas of the world.

The eToken R2 also incorporates an improved USB connector and newly designed one-piece plastic housing, providing enhanced tamper evidence and increased reliability. The product's USB functionality and strong two-factor authentication enable companies and organizations to eliminate costly implementation and installation issues normally associated with deployment of smart cards and biometric devices. According to computer industry sources, more than 250 million desktop and laptop computers are already fitted with at least one USB port.

Because the eToken R2 contains no proprietary protocols and uses a published and tested encryption algorithm, it can be integrated easily into security solutions that currently support smart cards and other types of authentication devices. The ability to securely store private keys and digital certificates on the token position it well for integration with existing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) products from all major PKI vendors. To underscore this capability, Aladdin actively participates in the PKI Forum (www.pkiforum.org) to further the development and acceptance of USB tokens as a key enabler for PKI solutions.

Also available with the eToken R2 is a feature-rich Software Development Kit (SDK) which enables solutions providers, systems integrators and applications developers to integrate the R2 into their projects and products. Later this year, Aladdin plans to add further functionality to the token with eToken Enterprise, an off-the-shelf package of simple-to-use solutions which utilize the eToken R2 for secure e-mail, groupware password replacement, VPN integration and full integration with Windows 2000's enhanced security features. The Enterprise product is currently being tested as a beta product in more than 20 countries.

Aladdin is also recruiting additional companies and organizations for its eToken Technology Partner Program. Program participation offers companies who integrate with eToken or promote its implementation with streamlined technical support and joint sales and marketing opportunities. Additional information on the program can be obtained by e-mailing [e-mail].

About Aladdin

Aladdin (NASDAQ: ALDN) is a global leader in securing digital content, from applications software to Internet use and access. Aladdin's products include HASP and Hardlock, software security systems that protect the revenues of developers and publishers; Privilege, a software licensing platform for the Internet; the eSafe line of anti-vandal, anti-virus and content filtering software for PCs and networks connected to the Internet; and eToken for Internet security and authentication. Aladdin serves its customers through eight offices located in the world's major software markets as well as a network of 50 distributors serving more than 100 countries. For more information visit our website at www.eAladdin.com.

About Gecko Internet

Gecko Internet is the UK's fastest growing web design, hosting and e-commerce solution company with more than 200 clients. Growing each month, all work is carried out in-house from the company headquarters in Tolworth Tower, Kingston. For more information, visit Gecko Internet's website at www.geckointernet.com.

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