Treasury bolsters data security

Entrust Inc. announced Aug. 13 that it has signed an $882,000 contract with the Treasury Department to provide enhanced security for the department's Internet and intranet communications.

The contract includes the implementation of Entrust's Secure Web Portal, Secure VPN and other secure e-mail solutions, all of which focus on identity-based access control through the use of digital credentials.

"We needed a security infrastructure that would allow us to safely share critical information among our staff without compromising performance," Mayi Canales, Treasury's chief information officer, said in a statement. "We now have the full complement of security solutions to protect vital documents and information across bureaus while providing authentication, digital signature and enhanced encryption capabilities for any application."

Last week, the General Services Administration issued a $1.4 million task order on Treasury's behalf for smart cards through the governmentwide Smart Access Common ID contract. About 9,000 Treasury employees — including employees within the Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Internal Revenue Service — will receive the Electronic Treasury Enterprise Card starting this fall to access Treasury buildings and networks.