Fime, an independent worldwide leader in consulting and advanced testing services for mobile devices and chip-based applications, has released its GlobalPlatform qualified trusted execution environment (TEE) test tool.
The tool will evaluate and qualify the functional aspects of a TEE to GlobalPlatform Specifications. This level of standardisation will bring stability and confidence to the secure mobile services marketplace and promote industry progress.
The TEE is a secure area that resides in the main processor of a mobile device, such as a smart phone. It effectively and securely connects the rich operating system and secure element, and ensures that sensitive data is stored, processed and protected in a trusted environment. GlobalPlatform - the organisation which standardises the management of applications on secure chip technology - has been working with the industry to define a TEE framework that promotes market standardisation in product development and removes technical interoperability issues.
The FIME TEE test tool can confirm that a product meets the functional requirements defined by the GlobalPlatform TEE specifications. This tool will be of particular interest to chipset manufacturers, mobile device manufacturers and operating system providers to ensure their products achieve the agreed industry standard.
New Services Marketing Manager at FIME, Stephanie El Rhomri, was appointed by GlobalPlatform as the TEE Compliance Work Group Chair in April 2012. She comments: "We are delighted to receive GlobalPlatform qualification and bring our TEE test tool to market. While some of our customers are advancing products in this area today, we believe demand for our TEE expertise and testing services will continue to gain traction as market players start to truly understand the significant role the TEE plays in securing mobile services. FIME is committed to the development of the TEE framework and will continue to participate in GlobalPlatform activities to advance this area."
GlobalPlatform Executive Director, Kevin Gillick, adds: "Our work within the TEE space is progressing at an astonishing rate thanks to the contribution and commitment of our members and industry partners. There is a real business need and technical requirement to advance the TEE in a standardised manner, and we are pleased to bring the compliance programme to market with qualified test tools. Our next key development will be the launch of our security certification specifications. This will allow independent parties to validate the security level of a TEE."