Tait Launches Tough New Key Fill Device

Tait Radio Communications, one of America's fastest-growing suppliers of P25 solutions, has launched a new Key Fill Device, which will improve the safety and security of first responders.

"Tait is earning a reputation for tough hardware and smart, versatile software across its entire range of subscribers and base stations/repeaters. The new Tait Key Fill Device lives up to that philosophy," says Bill Fredrickson, President of Tait Radio Communications in North America.

The ruggedized PDA, which runs Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5 Premium, is IP67* dust/ waterproof rated and can run four different Tait software products all aimed at making the process of encrypting digital radios as efficient and error-free as possible.

"If your encryption is compromised, then the safety of the officers is compromised. Equally, the process of how the radios are encrypted and how keys are loaded is critical. If the wrong people are taking too long using the wrong method with one-size-fits-all technology, then ultimately the ability to respond to emergencies and tactical situations is slowed," says Fredrickson.

Tait's extensive research revealed that there were several distinct challenges facing a public safety agency when encrypting its subscribers.

"AES and DES are available on Tait P25 radios, but the security and safety of officers depends not on the complexity of the algorithm but on the work processes around sharing and loading the keys to allow encrypted radios to talk to each other," added Fredrickson.

"Encryption processes and workflow may seem like a "back room" issue but the impact in terms of safety and security of an organization's officers is very real. Yes, over the air rekeying (OTAR) of DES and AES is efficient for a large fleet and Tait already offers this capability.

"But how does a tactical squad or SWAT team load a key on to their radios in the field so only that team can communicate? How does a highly trained crypto-officer with the highest security clearance, delegate the rekeying of a large batch of radios without compromising security or accuracy? These are the questions for which the new Tait KFD is the answer!" concluded Fredrickson.