2024, Distinction Excellence, Press release
Cyber Defence Product of the Year: Freemindtronic Finalist at National Cyber Awards 2024
Aug
PRESS RELEASE – DataShielder Auth NFC HSM Made in Andorra by Freemindtronic Finalist for Cyber Defence Product of the Year 2024!
Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra, August 5, 2024 – Freemindtronic Andorra proudly announces that its DataShielder Auth NFC HSM has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Cyber Defence Product of the Year award at the National Cyber Awards 2024. This highly regarded event, sponsored by BAE Systems, celebrates excellence in cybersecurity and innovation.
As digital threats continue to evolve, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Cyber attacks such as identity theft, false transfer orders, theft of sensitive data, remote and proximity industrial espionage, and the interception of sensitive information from devices pose significant risks to businesses, governments, and individuals. The National Cyber Awards, recognized for their rigorous standards, aim to promote innovation, resilience, and best practices worldwide in the fight against these ever-growing threats.
A Notable Presence at the National Cyber Awards 2024
Freemindtronic’s CEO, Jacques Gascuel, attended the awards ceremony in London, proudly representing Andorra, one of the smallest countries in the world. Freemindtronic was honored to receive the Silver Certificate as a finalist in the Innovation & Defence category. The company was also thrilled to witness Lisa Ventura MBE, founder of Cyber Security Unity, receive the Highly Commended distinction.
Freemindtronic was the only foreign company to be named a finalist in the UK’s prestigious National Cyber Awards. “We are proud to represent Andorra on the global stage,” said Jacques Gascuel, who also had the honor of gifting The Cyber Trust organizers a NFC vCard DataShielder collector, designed specifically with the logo and robot of the National Cyber Awards 2024. Photos from this moment can be found in the official gallery.
CEO’s Statement:
“We look forward to competing again next year with our upcoming 2025 innovation. I want to thank the organizers for their warm welcome and congratulate all the finalists.”
DataShielder Auth NFC HSM: Among the Top Finalists
Freemindtronic’s DataShielder Auth NFC HSM was selected as a finalist due to its advanced capabilities in safeguarding against identity theft, sensitive data breaches, and industrial espionage. Utilizing AES-256 CBC post-quantum encryption, the device ensures optimal security and operates entirely offline, without the need for servers or databases.
A Special Conversation with Industry Experts
During the event, an insightful discussion took place between Jacques Gascuel, Graham Day of Genesys, and Lisa Ventura (who received the prestigious award). They discussed PassCypher HSM PGP Free, Freemindtronic’s free password manager. Graham Day pointed out that a password manager offering such advanced and comprehensive security for free might be met with skepticism by users, who may find it hard to believe such a solution could truly be free. However, the idea of allowing donations to support its development was seen as a more acceptable approach. They also discussed the paid version of PassCypher HSM PGP, which offers fully automated services with a patented segmented encryption system, sparking conversation about potential partnerships.
Message from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Right Honorable Keir Starmer, expressed his support for the National Cyber Awards:
“The National Cyber Awards are a wonderful way to reward, celebrate, and showcase the work of those committed to keeping us safe. Please pass on my warmest congratulations to the winners who are an inspiration to everyone in the sector.”
About the National Cyber Awards
The National Cyber Awards were established in 2019 to celebrate excellence and innovation in cybersecurity. They honor exceptional achievements in both the public and private sectors. These awards highlight the continuous efforts of professionals and organizations dedicated to addressing the ever-changing challenges of cybersecurity.
Innovation and Security with DataShielder Auth NFC HSM – A Finalist for Cyber Defence Product of the Year
The DataShielder Auth NFC HSM provides advanced protection against sophisticated AI-assisted attacks, making it a leader in the fight against digital identity theft and data espionage. Compatible with a variety of communication systems (including emails, SMS, MMS, RCS, and private messaging platforms), this device ensures seamless integration into existing infrastructures while offering robust security.
Freemindtronic’s dedication to privacy and security has been recognized for a second time by the National Cyber Awards. This latest achievement builds upon the company’s previous recognition as a Highly Commended finalist in 2021. The DataShielder Auth NFC HSM remains a dual-use solution for both civilian and military applications.
For more information, visit the official National Cyber Awards 2024 gallery to see Jacques Gascuel showcasing the DataShielder NFC HSM Defense and DataShielder NFC HSM Auth products.
Notes to Editors
What are The National Cyber Awards?
The National Cyber Awards began in 2019 to celebrate excellence and innovation among those dedicated to cybersecurity. These awards highlight the exceptional achievements of professionals, companies, and educators from both the private and public sectors. Industry leaders, passionate about elevating the field of cybersecurity, envisioned these awards. They recognize and inspire commitment to tackling the ever-evolving challenges of cybersecurity.
Our mission is to identify and celebrate outstanding contributions in the field. We aim to provide a benchmark of excellence for everyone to aspire to. We envision a future where every international cybersecurity innovation is recognized and celebrated. This recognition encourages continuous improvement and the adoption of best practices worldwide. With support from our sponsors, participation in the awards remains free. Each finalist receives a complimentary ticket to the ceremony, minimizing barriers to entry and making participation accessible to all.
http://www.thenationalcyberawards.org
Contact: Future Tech Events, Fergus Bruce, info@futuretechevents.com
2024 Finalists for The National Cyber Awards in the Category “Cyber Defence Product of the Year 2024”
- Appdome Unified Mobile App Defense Platform – Israel: appdome.com
- Arqit SKA Platform™ – London: arqit.uk/arqit-ska-platform
- BlockAPT Cyber Defence Platform: Setting a new paradigm for next-gen innovation – London: blockapt.com
- Graboxy AI Cybersecurity Platform – London: graboxy.com (holder of the UK National Cyber Awards AI Cyber Product of the Year 2023)
- DataShielder Auth NFC HSM – Freemindtronic, Andorra: freemindtronic.com/product/datashielder-nfc-hsm-auth
Candidate Summary
- Product: DataShielder Auth NFC HSM
- Category: Cyber Defence Product of the Year 2024
- Name: Jacques Gascuel
- Company: Freemindtronic
- Email: contact@freemindtronic.com
- Company Bio: Freemindtronic specializes in designing, publishing, and manufacturing counter-espionage solutions. Our latest innovation, the DataShielder Auth NFC HSM, serves as a dual-use counter-espionage solution for both civilian and military applications. We first presented this solution to the public on June 17, 2024, at Eurosatory 2024. It actively combats identity theft, espionage, and access to sensitive and classified data and messages through AES 256 CBC post-quantum encryption. Furthermore, it operates offline, without servers, without databases, and without needing users to identify themselves or change their habits of storing sensitive data, messaging services, or communication protocols, all while avoiding infrastructure costs.
Additional Product Features
- Compatibility with Various Communication Systems: DataShielder Auth NFC HSM supports multiple communication systems, including emails, chats, webmails, SMS, MMS, RCS, and both public and private instant messaging services. This universal compatibility allows seamless integration into existing communication environments, ensuring continuous protection without significant infrastructure changes.
- Protection Against AI-Assisted Attacks: DataShielder Auth NFC HSM provides advanced protection against sophisticated AI-assisted attacks. With robust encryption and strong authentication, the product eliminates risks posed by identity theft attempts using advanced social engineering techniques, ensuring enhanced security for users.
- Key Management Methods: The product utilizes hardware security modules with NFC technology to securely create and manage keys. The DataShielder devices securely store the randomly generated encryption keys. The system operates without servers or databases, offering end-to-end anonymity and significantly reducing potential points of vulnerability.
DataShielder NFC HSM products are exclusively available in France through AMG Pro and internationally through Fullsecure Andorra.
We thank all the members of the jury for their interest in our latest revolutionary product, the DataShielder NFC HSM.
Judges – The National Cyber Awards
- Mary Haigh: CISO, BAE Systems
- Rachael Muldoon: Barrister, Maitland Chambers
- Shariff Gardner: Head of Defence, Military and Law Enforcement, UK, Ireland & Nordics, SANS Institute
- Damon Hayes: Regional Commander, National Crime Agency
- Miriam Howe: Head of International Consulting, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
- Myles Stacey OBE: Special Adviser to the Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street
- Daniel Patefield: Head of Programme, Cyber & National Security, techUK
- Sir Dermot Turing: Trustee, Bletchley Park Trust
- Nicola Whiting MBE: Chair of Judges
- Oz Alashe MBE: CEO & Founder, CybSafe
- Professor Liz Bacon: Principal & Vice-Chancellor, Abertay University
- Richard Beck: Director of Cyber, QA
- Martin Borret: Technical Director, IBM Security
- Bronwyn Boyle: CISO, PPRO
- Charlotte Clayson: Partner, Trowers & Hamlins LLP
- Pete Cooper: Founder, Aerospace Village
- Professor Danny Dresner: Professor of Cyber Security, University of Manchester
- Ian Dyson QPM DL: City of London Police
- Mike Fell OBE: Director of Cyber, NHS England
- Tukeer Hussain: Strategy Manager, Department for Culture, Media & Sport
- Dr Bob Nowill: Chair, Cyber Security Challenge
- Chris Parker MBE: Director, Government, Fortinet (Cybersecurity)
- Dr Emma Philpott MBE: CEO, IASME Consortium Ltd
- Peter Stuart Smith: Author
- Rajinder Tumber MBE: Security Consultancy Team Lead, Sky
- Saba Ahmed: Managing Director, Accenture Security
- Charles White: Director, The Cyber Scheme
- Professor Lisa Short: Areta Business Performance / XTCC
- Emma Wright: Partner, Harbottle & Lewis LLP
- Dr Budgie Dhanda MBE: Managing Consultant, PA Consulting
- Jacqui Garrad: Museum Director, The National Museum of Computing
- Dr Vasileios Karagiannopoulos: Co-Director of Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime, University of Portsmouth
- Debbie Tunstall: Account Director, Immersive Labs
- Sarah Montague: HMRC
Explore our additional accolades, including the Cyber Defence Product of the Year finalist recognition, alongside our trophies and the silver and gold medals we’ve earned over the past decade. 🏆🌟👇
NEWS PROVIDED BY
The National Cyber Awards 2024
August 2024
Other languages available: French and Catalan. [Click here for French] [Click here for Catalan]