Key to internet security held by SETsquared entrepreneur

CommunityDNS chief, Paul Kane, chosen to safeguard one of seven keys to restart the www

From the 15th July, the Internet will become more secure through a new international agreement and process which verifies web sites and helps protect email accounts from fraud, using high tech cryptographic keys. Paul Kane, CEO of CommunityDNS, based at the Bath SETsquared Innovation Centre, has been selected to play an important part in the process as a key holder.

DNSSEC (domain name system security) is a new development by which all of the information given out by Internet “root servers” in response to searches by members of the public, can be electronically 'signed' in order to verify its authenticity. This means that, for example, a person wishing to use their bank account or shop online, can now be confident that they have reached the genuine website, not a look-alike pirate site. Currently up to 8% of traffic is estimated to be fraudulent, and therefore increasing Internet security is a global priority: this agreement represents a major advance.

The new Internet security process requires the system to be protected in case of a catastrophic event, such as a terrorist attack, through the bringing together of 5 specially encrypted keys which can recover the Internet root servers signing key. There are 7 keys in total, held by individuals who have been chosen as trusted community representatives, and Paul Kane, founder of CommunityDNS, has been selected as Western Europe’s key holder. In case of a breach of security, Paul may be called on to travel to a secure location in the US where he will meet 5 other key holders, to recover the Master signing key.

Paul Kane comments, “I’m honoured and excited to be recognised for past achievements and current contributions to global Internet security as we add additional tools to allow the end user to feel more confident in their use of the Internet.” He continues “We are very pleased to be part of stimulating innovation in the Bath area and see the University of Bath becoming a global centre of excellence for enabling Internet technologies.”

CommunityDNS, launched in 2007 provides a globally diverse name resolution service to large corporations and national domain name registries from over 40 countries and handles up to 18 billion queries per day. As part of a larger group with offices in Japan and USA, the UK based CommunityDNS is located at the Bath Innovation Centre (part of SETsquared, the enterprise partnership of the universities of Bath, Bristol, Southampton and Surrey). Paul Kane and his team were brought in as Internet specialists to work in co-operation with the University of Bath and the 50 or so high technology, high growth incubator businesses on site.

Simon Bond, Director of the SETsquared Innovation Centre in Bath says: “We’re delighted to provide an environment where leading British entrepreneurs like Paul Kane can develop globally significant businesses. It’s an honour for Bath to be one of the locations for the ‘keys to the internet’ and it is an acknowledgement of the strength of our region and the individuals who live here in global internet security”

Although millions of Internet users rely on the web for more and more of their daily needs, most wouldn’t realise the significance of this new move, and the importance of Paul Kane’s role in it. But Ed Vaizey (Minister responsible for Communications, Culture and Creative Industries) commented on this latest achievement:

"It is wonderful to see UK companies innovating and leading the world in the field of Internet security. It is vital that we consistently strive for excellence when enhancing user confidence in the online environment."

Photo: Paul Kane receiving his high tech key at
secure US location

Release date: 15 07 2010
Contact: Simon Bond

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