Cloud-based service loads applications into the cryptographically-secured Trusted Execution Environment, embedded in the majority of leading Android smartphones

Cybersecurity expert Intercede announced the launch of MyTAM, a service that enables organisations such as app developers, service providers, banks and media streaming companies to load apps into the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) built into chipsets in a rapidly increasing proportion of Android devices. The TEE protects applications and their associated content from malware, man-in-the-browser and other forms of software-based threats.

Apps loaded onto mobile devices may contain malware that can be used to expose sensitive data. However, by installing trusted apps directly into the TEE on Android devices, app providers can protect the data accessed by their apps from whatever else may be present on the handset.

MyTAM is a fully hosted cloud service that securely loads apps into the TEE. This provides security for applications that need to store personal data, enable financial transactions (including by bitcoin) or protect valuable content. Developers, their customers and valuable end user data all benefit from higher levels of security and trust.

The Trustonic TEE is present on many leading Android devices, including the latest Samsung and HTC handsets. Trustonic injects cryptographic keys at the point of device manufacture, meaning that approved applications can only execute in their own secured silos.

Trustonic CEO Ben Cade commented: “Intercede provides Trustonic partners with a simple, convenient way to deploy TEE enhanced applications to enabled devices, adding valuable protection, while also simplifying and improving the end user experience. Building and maintaining trust in devices, and services running from them, is vital to growing the digital economy. MyTAM takes care of connecting trusted devices to services in need of trust.”

MyTAM runs on Intercede’s established market-leading security platform, which is already used by some of the world’s largest enterprises and public sector organisations. It provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for any size of deployment, from enterprise apps with thousands of users to consumer apps with millions.

Richard Parris, CEO of Intercede, said: “Intercede is delighted to have partnered with Trustonic on this exciting initiative to better secure the mobile ecosystem. With Android powering the majority of the world’s smart devices, it is imperative to ensure that any mobile apps running on this open platform can be both trusted and protected from attack by rogue agents. The Intercede MyTAM service has early mover advantage and technical superiority in satisfying this need. With the Trustonic TEE built into more than 250 million devices, the addressable market for the Intercede MyTAM service is large and growing. We look forward to announcing our launch customers at Mobile World Congress next month.”