Belkin Releases Secure Audio and Microphone Four-Port Switch

New Switch Offers Centralized Control Over Audio Ports, Reduces Risk of Audio Signal Interception

PLAYA VISTA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Belkin Enterprise, a trusted leader of complete computing solutions for office, IT infrastructure and mobile environments, today announced the release of its Secure Audio and Microphone Four-Port Switch. The Secure Audio and Microphone Switch offers users centralized control over audio ports, and is designed to reduce the possibility of analog cross-talk of audio signals between computers running at different security levels.

“Our Secure Audio and Microphone Switch works in conjunction with our Secure KVM (Keyboard Video Monitor) switch and relieves the fear of possible information leak while switching between networks of varying security levels.”

Belkin’s Secure Audio and Microphone Switch is designed for government and other environments requiring the use of secure Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications. Supporting both stereo audio and microphone analog signals, the switch allows users to securely share headsets, speakers and microphones between computers or IP phones.

Belkin’s Secure Audio and Microphone Switch features dedicated printed circuit boards for the audio and microphone signals. Keeping the audio signals physically separated from the microphone signals eliminates the possibility of leakage between signals on either side.

Unlike solid-state audio multiplexers, the Secure Audio and Microphone Switch relies on high-quality mechanical relays and does not have a memory buffer or the ability to store data. This prevents signals from being exploited or manipulated by malicious software as users switch between computers, ensuring the integrity of the signal.

Additionally, Belkin’s Secure Audio and Microphone Switch incorporates a hardware microphone mute button to shut off the microphone when the switch is not in use or while handling calls where the microphone is not required. The mute button cannot be manipulated by software or driver, allowing for increased security.

“Agencies are increasingly replacing their aging and expensive, circuit-switched phone systems with communication solutions that run over IP networks to comply with recent light technology mandates and reduce operational costs,” said Luiz Artiz, director of product management at Belkin. “Our Secure Audio and Microphone Switch works in conjunction with our Secure KVM (Keyboard Video Monitor) switch and relieves the fear of possible information leak while switching between networks of varying security levels.”

Other security features of Belkin’s Secure Audio and Microphone Switch include:

• Non-Reprogrammable Firmware - Custom firmware is not reprogrammable, preventing the ability to tamper with the switch logic.
• Metal-Plate Firewall - Placed between the audio and microphone printed circuit boards, the metal-plate firewall reduces the potential of electromagnetic interference leakage.
• Tamper-Evident Tape - A holographic security label placed on the enclosure provides a visual indication if the switch has been opened or compromised.
• Port Coloring - Included color chips can be inserted into each port-selector button facilitating port identification and reducing user error.
• Secure Packaging - “Tear away” packaging ensures secure delivery of the switch as it is routed to the end user.

Belkin’s Secure Audio and Microphone Four-Port Switch is now available through the company's network of authorized channel partners.

Today Belkin also introduced its new smart card reader specifically designed for demanding government applications. For more information, visit Belkin News.

Belkin delivers the necessary components for workstation security, as well as every essential accessory and peripheral device to provide a complete, efficient, productive workstation that meets the demands of government use. For more information visit: Belkin Government.

About Belkin Enterprise
Belkin Enterprise, a division of Belkin International, offers commercial computing solutions for office, IT infrastructure, and mobile environments. A proven technology leader for more than 25 years, organizations worldwide trust Belkin for its unwavering commitment to product quality, and expertise in creating solutions designed to address customer requirements in business, government and education. With a global supply chain and broad provider network, Belkin commands a purchasing power that delivers greater value and unparalleled execution advantages to customers. The company’s line of commercial products are available through Belkin's global network of distributors and resellers. Headquartered in Playa Vista, California, the company is represented in more than 25 countries and can be found on the Web at http://www.Belkin.com.