Milestone for digital signature: Manufacturer signs each e-mail to protect against phishing and spam.

Bischof + Klein (B+K Group) is safeguarding each outgoing e-mail with an electronic signature in the interest of more secure e-mail communication. In order to achieve that the European packaging manufacturer is using the Z1 SecureMail Gateway of the Berlin based IT security specialist Zertificon Solutions. This server based solution for e-mail signature and encryption is installed to protect e-mail communication from eavesdropping and for the first time consistently to prevent phishing and spam. Since Z1 SecureMail Gateway centrally protects and unlocks all of an organization’s e-mails, it is also called "virtual admin office".

Mr. Dieter Schmedt, Director or Information Services at B+K Group, "We want to ensure our business partners that electronic post from Bischof and Klein is trustworthy. Therefore we sign all outgoing e-mails. We are using the Z1 SecureMail Gateway which protects our entire e-mail communication from falsifications and manipulation."
In order to provide each e-mail with a proof of origin, the B+K Group has decided to utilize user certificates. The validity of the certificate- and with it the authenticity of the signature- can be shown by all e-mail programs such as Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes, as well as by free mail programs such as Mozilla Thunderbird. With this digital signature an e-mail is protected from unrecognized manipulation. It also allows the receiver to determine with mathematical exactness whether it came from an employee of the B+K Group.
The B+K Group decided on Zertificon's product because it "satisfies the business administrative aspects, is very compact, and is very easy to implement onto an existing infrastructure. It offers high availability and reliability, can be combined with other IT security systems, and translates our security policy automatically for all users;" said Mr. Schmedt, Director of Information Services.

About Bischof + Klein
The B+K Group, a leading European supplier of flexible packaging made from synthetic materials and paper, was founded in 1892. Including their headquaters in Lengerich/Westfalen, the B+K Group is represented in 23 countries worldwide. Besides the two German locations in Lengerich (Westfalia) and Konzell (Bavaria), the corporation owns production facilities in Belgium, France, Great Britain, Luxemburg, Austria, Poland, Saudi Arabia and Spain as well as 28 sales representation offices.
The B+K Group’s product portfolio includes the entire range of flexible packaging-from traditional industry packaging to commercial packaging to special foil for technical uses. The B+K Group employs approximately 2,600 workers and in 2004 achieved a sales volume of roughly 450 million euros.


About Zertificon Solutions
Zertificon Solutions develops software for simplification and facilitation of security functions in electronic business processes and communications. The IT security products are designed for users in companies and institutions of all sizes and industries and stand out from the competition due to their comfortable and easy operation. The flagship product Z1 SecureMail Gateway protects the entire e-mail traffic of an organization by employing central encryption techniques and electronic signatures. The Z1 SecureMail Gateway is the leading European software with the most reference installations. Distribution and technical support is being provided by qualified and dedicated distribution partners. The software solutions Z1 Backbone of Trust, a central system for the management of public certificates, Z1 Mobile SmartCard and Z1 FileProtector, a program for data encryption, are being distributed within the framework of internal projects. Zertificon Solutions' customers include leading investment and savings banks, insurance companies, numerous suppliers in the automotive and electrical industry, lottery companies, as well as institutions and administrations at community, state and federal level. http://www.zertificon.com