Products & Services:

Service Options - Secure 2Way Messaging

SkyTel brings a new level of security to wireless communications.

Government-Approved Security

Secure 2Way provides a new wireless option for transmitting sensitive and classified communications.  The service uses AES encryption, the latest standard recommended by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and approved by the National Security Agency.

  • Highest levels of wireless data security
  • AES encryption as approved by FIPS 197
  • Encryption key management using the ANSI X9.63 security standard

"Assuming that one could build a machine that could recover a DES key in a second (i.e., try 255 keys per second), then it would take that machine approximately 149 thousand-billion (149 trillion) years to crack a 128-bit AES key.  To put that into perspective, the universe is believed to be less than 20 billion years old."

 -NIST AES Fact Sheet

Superior Crisis Management Tool

Secure 2Way is a powerful crisis management solution for enterprise customers and emergency management agencies.  The product offers the unique combination of encryption coupled with the reliability of SkyTel's narrowband PCS network.

"...two-way wireless messaging...is more reliable and more effective than the current voice networks and used by emergency workers and public employees who respond to critical situations. Narrowband PCS should be considered a primary or backup system to improve real-time communication among emergency personnel during critical periods when voice communication is not practical or fails."

-The Journal of Homeland Security, March 2004.

Beyond Encryption

Secure 2Way addresses security at each step of the messaging pathway:

  • 2Way Device: Along with its encryption capabilities, the Sun Telecom ST900 also provides a password-protected messaging screen. If too many incorrect attempts are made to enter the password, access to the device is locked.
  • Encryption Server: The Encryption Server is housed at the SkyTel Network Operations Center which is protected by a system of ID checks and electronic pass cards that prohibit entry by unauthorized personnel.  

The Service

Device-Level Security ensures that all messages to and from Secure 2Way devices are encrypted, but permits interaction with non-secured interfaces as well.
  • Messaging between Secure 2Way devices is always encrypted.
  • Messages sent from email, IVR, voice mail, and other unsecured interfaces will be encrypted before being forwarded to the Secure 2Way unit.
  • Messages sent from a Secure 2Way unit will be decrypted at the server before being forwarded to any unsecured interface.

SkyTel Secure 2Way allows government and businesses to enjoy the convenience of wireless communication with confidence that their sensitive communications are protected.