Protecting sensitive data with EGNOS and Galileo

An EU-funded project is adding satellite navigation technology to the arsenal of data protection weapons. The TIGER (Trusted Innovative GNSS Receiver) project is creating a security token with an in-built satellite navigation receiver that allows access to information based on location. For the location and authentication function, TIGER will use Europe’s EGNOS – and in the future, Galileo.

Apart from the development of the secure GNSS token, other likely applications for the technology include improving security in road tolling applications, pay-as-you-go schemes, border control for sea vessels, and for tracking hazardous materials being transported. Additionally, the trusted receiver technology could be used in security applications such as covert operations, law enforcement and certification. The project, which began in January 2009, will last for 18 months.