HID Global (http://www.hidglobal.com), which specializes in secure identity solutions, has announced a solution for government agencies interested in securing iOS devices with access to sensitive data.

The solution combines the recently announced ActivClient Mobile Software Development Kit (SDK) for iOS with two sleeves from Precise Biometrics: the Tactivo iPhone sleeve and the Tactivo iPad sleeve. This solution enables government agencies of all kinds to use their Common Access Card (CAC) or Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards to secure communications and access to sensitive information by encrypting it through standard Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) encryption methods.

HID Global also offers a solution leveraging "derived credentials,", a concept recently introduced in the FIPS 201-2 PIV standard, which is currently in draft form. The integrated approach taken by HID Global applies the "derived credential" to a secure microSD card, a secure element with the same cryptographic services as the CAC or PIV smart card.

This microSD format can be connected to iPhones with a sleeve. This approach brings both significantly increased convenience and security to the iPhone BYOD scenarios, says Thomas Marschall, Precise Biometrics president and CEO.

The ActivClient Mobile Software Development Kit (SDK) for iOS enables application developers and government entities to deliver two-factor authentication, signature and decryption technologies for all iOS devices, including iPhone and iPad, he adds. The Precise Biometrics Tactivo Smart Card & Fingerprint Reader enables multi-factor authentication on iPad and iPhone, supporting U.S. government credentials including PIV, PIV-I, CAC and TWIC, as well as the Precise Match-on-Card credentials used in many national IDs.

The smart casing slips over the device. Pass-through charging and synchronization and a slim design mean users don’t have to remove the casing for regular, daily use, says Marschall. The Tactivo for iPad was also designed to accommodate the popular iPad Smart Cover.

The HID Global ActivClient Mobile SDK for iOS and the Precise Biometrics Tactivo are available now at the company web site.