Press Release

Issued by Satcom Direct.

October 20, 2014

Available in the first quarter of 2015, the upgraded SkyShield from Satcom Direct now will provide five levels of data filtering, adding security to internet connections.

SkyShield presently allows customers to control their in-flight internet usage by blocking unneeded network traffic that slows down connections and increases data costs. SkyShield allows customers to stop certain software processes and applications that use large amounts of data, such as program or software updates that run in the background, streaming audio and video websites, and social media feeds.

Satcom Direct has expanded this service to provide proactive security threat monitoring. Customers can opt-in to the monitoring which includes 24/7 notification of threats against or from the customer's devices on-board the aircraft, vessel or mobile terminal.

“Using SkyShield frees up your in-flight data connection for what is most important to your mission. By enhancing SkyShield with proactive threat monitoring, customers and flight departments are quickly notified of any issues so that they can be resolved,” said Jim Jensen, Satcom Direct founder and ceo. “Network and computing device security affect everyone on a daily basis. Satcom Direct has always taken a lead role in developing new services and technology that protect the integrity of the user experience.”

Flight departments are notified of adverse events through Plane Simple, Satcom Direct's customer portal. Alerts are sent directly to the flight deck via Satcom Direct's FlightDeck Freedom datalink service, and other electronic and direct notification methods. The service is managed through Satcom Direct's ground infrastructure which makes it available to all customers, regardless of the type of satcom system used.

“Our customers get that additional level of comfort knowing the Satcom Direct team is actively watching for data security intrusions,” said Curt Gray, Satcom Direct chief technology officer. “Protecting the aircraft network and any computing devices onboard falls within the mission of Satcom Direct --- to keep people connected to their world no matter where or how they travel.”