GENEVA, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in semiconductors for electronic security, has announced the AuKey turnkey solution, based on ST's ST23 highly secure microcontrollers, to help brand owners authenticate their products. AuKey provides significantly stronger security than conventional techniques, which are often susceptible to being easily and cost-effectively broken or cloned. AuKey can be quickly designed into various products, including computer accessories, add-in cards, gaming peripherals, printer cartridges, toners, disposable medical equipment, network infrastructure products, metering devices, and many other types of assemblies and systems.

Product authentication using secure microcontrollers is significantly more effective in differentiating genuine items from unauthorized copies. ST's AuKey turnkey solution offers hardware-authentication devices comprising a secure operating system (OS) running on top of the latest-generation ST23 secure microcontrollers to increase protection for the embedded security keys.

The most advanced security crypto algorithms are supported by AuKey, including the AES shared-key system and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). The microcontroller and OS, together, also secure the chip's data-read and data-write mechanisms. This level of protection delivers a significant increase in security at a highly competitive cost.

This approach differs from conventional security methods, which rely on a relatively simple memory chip containing the security keys. Organized counterfeiters have learned to break this level of security, presenting a threat to brand owners' image and revenues. Counterfeit products, most of which will perform poorly, will also increase downtime, maintenance and replacement costs for end users.

AuKey's secure microcontroller-based security also provides freedom and flexibility for brand owners through its customizable security architecture, configurable key-management mechanism, and chip-personalization tools. In addition, support for secure application firmware downloads allows authorized updating or restoration of settings in the field.

AuKey is based on ST's range of proven ST23 highly secure microcontrollers, which are in full production now and are packaged in the industry-standard SO-8 format.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2008, the Company's net revenues were $9.84 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

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