The Most Frequently Asked Questions About CloneSafe™ Fraud Prevention Products

1. What is CloneSafe™?
2. Why is CloneSafe™ unique?
3. Who are likely customers for CloneSafe™?
4. Can CloneSafe™ work with radio technologies other than AMPS?
5. I understand mobile phone manufacturers are already programming A-keys directly into the mobile phones before shipping them out to the markets. Why do we need CloneSafe™?
6. What are CloneSafe's hardware platforms?
7. What standards are CloneSafe™ compatible with?


1. What is CloneSafe™?

CloneSafe is a family of products designed to provide authentication in the most secure way possible. The CloneSafe line consists of three products:

1. CloneSafe™ SAC™ Secure Authentication Center - The CloneSafe SAC performs the authentication function in the network.

2. CloneSafe™ SAMS™ Secure A-Key Management System - The CloneSafe SAMS securely generates, stores and distributes A-keys to both the AC and mobile phones.

3. CloneSafe™ Validator™ - The CloneSafe Validator securely programs A-keys through the data port of the mobile phone at a retail point of sale, fulfillment center, inventory warehouse, or even by the mobile phone manufacturer.

Network flexibility is key to Synacom's design process, and Synacom is a strong proponent for open systems. CloneSafe's architecture enables each product to work as well individually with other network solutions as they do together to provide full end-to-end authentication security.

1. Why is CloneSafe™ unique?

CloneSafe™ is a unique line of products because it provides the most secure method for deploying authentication. Together, the three products provide a complete and totally secure end-to-end solution for acquiring A-keys, distributing them to the network and the mobile phone and performing real-time authentication. The SAC™ uses proprietary technology to allow the service provider to better control the authentication function in the network. The SAMS™ is especially unique in the way it obtains, stores and distributes A-keys. The Validator is a one-of-a-kind device that enables the service provider to guarantee that the security of the A-key is never compromised in the mobile phone.

3. Who are likely customers for CloneSafe™?

All cellular and PCS service providers that support AMPS, TDMA and CDMA technologies who wish to deploy authentication in their networks. Network equipment manufacturers may also purchase CloneSafe™ to complement their existing products. Service bureau companies may also be interested so they can provide authentication and A-key management as an external service to wireless network carriers.

4. Can CloneSafe™ work with radio technologies other than AMPS?

Yes. CloneSafe™ operates with any ANSI-41-based network technology, which includes support for AMPS, TDMA, and CDMA.

5. I understand mobile phone manufacturers are already programming A-keys directly into the mobile phones before shipping them out to the markets. Why do we need CloneSafe?

Yes, some manufacturers are currently programming random A-keys into the phones before shipping them to the markets. With CloneSafe™, carriers have the option of using the existing pre-programmed A-keys or overriding the them for enhanced security. CloneSafe™ also takes care of default, or zero value, A-keys by allowing new random A-keys to be generated and securely and automatically programmed into the phones with the Validator™. This product is especially useful for churned phones coming into a new market. The SAMS™ also provides an interface to the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) networks to access the pre-programmed A-keys from the mobile phone manufacturers.

6. What are CloneSafe's hardware platforms?

The CloneSafe™ SAC™ runs on a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Alpha server. This choice for a hardware platform was based on the DEC Alpha's outstanding performance, scalability, SS7 support, and reputation for high-availability. The CloneSafe™ SAMS™ runs on the Sun Ultra Enterprise line of servers for many of the same reasons as well as its popularity as an administrative network platform. The Validator™ is a small custom-made rugged terminal that is easy to use.

7. What standards are CloneSafe compatible with?

CloneSafe products are compliant with all ANSI and TIA standards for SS7, ANSI-41, and authentication.