NEEDHAM, Mass., May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- GeoTrust, Inc., a leader in identity verification solutions for e-business and a leading issuer of SSL (secure sockets layer) certificates for web security, today announced it will extend support of its Smartphone Credentials(TM) code signing service to support Microsoft Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs. GeoTrust is announcing the Pocket PC Credentials(TM) signing service to coincide with the introduction of the Windows Mobile 2005 software at Microsoft's Mobile and Embedded DevCon 2005 in Las Vegas. GeoTrust's Smartphone Credentials, launched in 2003, was the first public security service to ensure the authenticity and integrity of software applications for Microsoft Windows Mobile-based devices.

Leveraging the cryptographic root embedded in the Microsoft Smartphone and Pocket PC platforms, GeoTrust will provide a secure code signing service to Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that develop applications for the Microsoft Windows mobile environment. This security service will validate the identity of the developer and the integrity of the applications to ensure the code released is the code actually delivered to the mobile device. As a result, mobile phones and mobile computing devices will now have the security to thwart rogue application theft and malicious virus attacks.

"Code signing is about verifying the origin of digital content and the fact that it hasn't changed since it was signed. If you trust the source, then you can trust the application because it comes from a verified source," said Daniel Bouie, marketing manager for mobile devices at Microsoft. "GeoTrust's code signing service has been successfully verifying our partners and authenticating code for Smartphones for the past several years, and we are pleased they will support our new signing program for Pocket PCs."

Microsoft Windows Mobile 2005 is a rich platform enabling mobile developers and operators to build compelling mobile applications and services. Mobile devices built on this platform combine fully integrated voice and data capabilities with a rich set of applications including personal information management (PIM), gaming and multimedia features in a small, lightweight mobile form factor.

"The addition of the Pocket PC Credentials signing service signals GeoTrust's commitment to extending identity verification to the mobile computing market, where we expect to see continued growth--as well as increasing security threats," said Neal Creighton, CEO of GeoTrust, Inc. "We are pleased Microsoft has extended our partnership to provide support for this important initiative. Helping to ensure the integrity of code carried over voice and data networks, whether wireline or wireless, is critical to protecting communications worldwide."

Availability

GeoTrust Smartphone Credentials signing service is available now and can be purchased at http://www.geotrust.com/codesigning/smartphone/index.htm. Support for the Pocket PC Credentials signing service is expected to be available later this year.

About GeoTrust, Inc.

GeoTrust is a leader in identity verification and trust services for e- business. Its products include web security services for secure e-commerce transactions, identity verification, managed security services and TrustWatch (http://www.trustwatch.com/), a free toolbar and search site that helps consumers recognize whether a site has been verified and is safe for the exchange of confidential information. With more than 70,000 companies in over 140 countries using its technology for online security, GeoTrust has rapidly become the second largest digital certificate provider in the world. Visit http://www.geotrust.com/ or call for more information.

GeoTrust is a registered trademark of GeoTrust, Inc. Smartphone Credentials and PocketPC Credentials are trademarks of GeoTrust, Inc. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts: Joan Lockhart Julie Goldman or Liz Serotte GeoTrust, Inc. Schwartz Communications 781-292-4153 781-684-0770 jlockhart@geotrust.comgeotrust@schwartz-pr.com

CONTACT: Joan Lockhart of GeoTrust, Inc., +1-781-292-4153,
jlockhart@geotrust.com; or Julie Goldman or Liz Serotte, both of Schwartz
Communications, +1-781-684-0770, geotrust@schwartz-pr.com

Web site: http://www.geotrust.com/
http://www.trustwatch.com/