Kensington Integrates Identiv's Smart Card Reader Technology Into Its BlackBelt™ Rugged Case for Secure Two-Factor Authentication

January 27, 2020

The product and service offerings reflected in this press release were purchased from Identiv, Inc. and are no longer owned by Identiv, Inc., effective as of September 6, 2024

FREMONT, Calif., January 27, 2020 — Identiv, Inc. today announced it has partnered with Kensington®, the worldwide leader of desktop computing and mobility solutions for IT, business, and home office professionals, to embed secure authentication technology into its BlackBelt™ Rugged Case for the Microsoft Surface Pro and Microsoft Surface Go.  The Kensington BlackBelt Rugged Case adds security, protection, and convenience to Microsoft Surface Pro and Microsoft Surface Go devices, their data, and the users’ network. The case incorporates an integrated FIPS 201-compliant smart card reader module developed by Identiv to help simplify logins and prevent unauthorized access to data on devices or private networks. Additional features of the combined solution include military-grade drop protection, a protective camera cover, openings for the kickstand and all I/O ports, cable lock compatibility, a self-adjusting hand strap, and Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance. “By utilizing the Identiv’s smart card technology, we can bring one of the most secure, powerful, and rugged cases to market,” said Gwen Hsu, VP of Global Product Management and R&D at Kensington. “This initiative is part of a strategic partnership with Identiv that is designed to support the development of more innovations to reliably identify users and provide higher security for our customers.”  Identiv’s uTrust Smart Card Reader Module Contact Family (2500 R and 2500 F) is the ideal design for a wide range of embedded applications. Providing full compliance with all major industry standards — including ISO/IEC 7816, USB CCID, PC/SC, and Microsoft WHQL — uTrust 2500 R and 2500 F work seamlessly with virtually all contact smart cards and PC operating systems. Full compliance with EMV 2011 and GSA FIPS 201 expand daily use to very specific applications requiring additional security and data protection. “Identiv’s uTrust 2500 R represents the perfect mix of performance with compact design, providing convenience, transaction-time efficiency, security, and reliability for embedded applications, like the Kensington BlackBelt Rugged Case,” said Dr. Manfred Mueller, Identiv COO and General Manager, Identity. “As the reader module is EMV L1 compliant and GSA FIPS 201 certified for our federal customers, it is also ideal for smart metering, vending and dispensing machines, printers, payment devices, and e-service kiosks.” To find out more about the Kensington BlackBelt™ Rugged Case, please click here. To learn more about Identiv’s uTrust Smart Card Reader Module Family, please click here or download the datasheet. Media Contact: media@hirschsecure.com