Ethical Hacking News
Nokia's new business unit, HMD Secure, has launched its first product, the Ivalo XE smartphone. This device boasts advanced security features and a durable design, making it an attractive option for governments and other security-critical customers. However, concerns remain about the device's sovereignty due to its reliance on Qualcomm's Dragonwing Q-6690 SoC from a US-based company.
HMD Global launches HMD Secure, a business unit focused on developing sovereign mobile security products for European customers. The first product from HMD Secure is the Android-based smartphone Ivalo XE, designed with security in mind. The Ivalo XE features advanced security features such as anti-tamper design, dual encryption support, and secure boot. The device also boasts durability with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications. The Ivalo XE offers a PC-like experience with external display, keyboard, and mouse connectivity.
HMD Global, a Finnish mobile device manufacturer and former Nokia subsidiary, has announced the launch of its new business unit, HMD Secure. This division is focused on developing sovereign mobile security products for European customers, including governments, emergency services, and defense organizations. The company's aim is to create a secure and resilient mobile ecosystem that caters to the unique needs of these customers.
The first product from HMD Secure is an Android-based smartphone called the Ivalo XE. This device has been designed with security in mind and boasts several features that make it attractive to governments and other security-critical customers. Firstly, the Ivalo XE is claimed to be one of the few 5G devices manufactured entirely in Europe. This is a significant achievement, as many European countries have expressed concerns about relying on American brands for their mobile needs.
The Ivalo XE is powered by Qualcomm's Dragonwing Q-6690 system-on-chip (SoC), which provides a robust platform for secure communication and data processing. However, it is worth noting that the SoC is still sourced from a US-based company, which may raise some concerns about the device's true sovereignty.
Despite this, HMD Global has made significant efforts to ensure that its supply chain is transparent and auditable. The company claims to have implemented an "end-to-end trusted supply chain" with vetted partners across Europe, delivering assurance at every stage of production. This approach ensures that customers can trust the device's security features and that any potential vulnerabilities are identified and addressed.
The Ivalo XE boasts several advanced security features, including anti-tamper design with intrusion detection, dual encryption support (file-based and virtual full disk encryption), secure boot, a fingerprint reader, and a screen stealth mode. These features demonstrate HMD Global's commitment to providing customers with a highly secure mobile experience.
Another notable feature of the Ivalo XE is its durability. The device meets the IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications, making it resistant to extreme temperatures, dust, and water ingress. This level of ruggedness is essential for users who require a reliable and secure mobile device in challenging environments.
In addition to its security features, the Ivalo XE offers several other benefits that make it an attractive option for customers. The device has a 6.32-inch display, dual 50-megapixel rear cameras, and a 32 megapixel front camera. It also features a hardware kill-switch to disable all radios and a programmable key for push-to-talk (PTT) or walkie-talkie style communications.
Moreover, the Ivalo XE can be connected to an external display, keyboard, and mouse for a "PC-like experience." This feature is particularly useful for users who require a secure mobile device that can also function as a mini PC. The device also features a specialized connector, the Fusion 3.1 modularity system with a 16-pin (USB 3.1) connection, which allows customers to add extra hardware components, such as radios, batteries, and sensors, as part of an optional "Tactical Outfit."
While HMD Global has made significant strides in developing a secure mobile ecosystem, there are still some concerns about the device's true sovereignty. The use of Qualcomm's Dragonwing Q-6690 SoC from a US-based company may raise questions about the device's reliance on foreign technology.
However, it is worth noting that HMD Global has taken steps to ensure that its supply chain is transparent and auditable. The company claims to have implemented an "end-to-end trusted supply chain" with vetted partners across Europe, delivering assurance at every stage of production. This approach ensures that customers can trust the device's security features and that any potential vulnerabilities are identified and addressed.
In conclusion, HMD Global's new business unit, HMD Secure, has launched its first product, the Ivalo XE smartphone. While there are some concerns about the device's sovereignty due to its reliance on Qualcomm's Dragonwing Q-6690 SoC from a US-based company, the device's advanced security features and durable design make it an attractive option for governments and other security-critical customers.
The Ivalo XE boasts several advanced security features, including anti-tamper design with intrusion detection, dual encryption support (file-based and virtual full disk encryption), secure boot, a fingerprint reader, and a screen stealth mode. These features demonstrate HMD Global's commitment to providing customers with a highly secure mobile experience.
In addition to its security features, the Ivalo XE offers several other benefits that make it an attractive option for customers. The device has a 6.32-inch display, dual 50-megapixel rear cameras, and a 32 megapixel front camera. It also features a hardware kill-switch to disable all radios and a programmable key for push-to-talk (PTT) or walkie-talkie style communications.
Moreover, the Ivalo XE can be connected to an external display, keyboard, and mouse for a "PC-like experience." This feature is particularly useful for users who require a secure mobile device that can also function as a mini PC. The device also features a specialized connector, the Fusion 3.1 modularity system with a 16-pin (USB 3.1) connection, which allows customers to add extra hardware components, such as radios, batteries, and sensors, as part of an optional "Tactical Outfit."
Overall, HMD Global's new business unit, HMD Secure, has taken a significant step towards providing European governments and other security-critical customers with a secure mobile ecosystem. While there are still some concerns about the device's sovereignty, its advanced security features and durable design make it an attractive option for customers who require a reliable and secure mobile device.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Nokias-European-Secure-Smartphone-A-Beacon-of-Sovereign-Mobile-Security-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/09/09/hmd_ivalo_xe/
https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/09/hmd_ivalo_xe/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/nokia-successor-hmd-spawns-secure-device-biz-with-euro-made-smartphone/ar-AA1MbjG2
Published: Tue Sep 9 06:26:50 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
