The CSIR, Seecrypt and StopRhinoPoaching.com join forces to better protect Africa's Rhinos with the help of military-grade secure communications

-- Efforts to protect our Rhinos now have the benefit of secure communications that will ensure that anti-poaching activities are coordinated in privacy

PRETORIA, South Africa, Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the CSIR, StopRhinoPoaching.com and Seecrypt announced a partnership to deliver military-grade secure communications to the teams of dedicated individuals fighting the war against Rhino poaching.

South Africa is home to approximately 20 430 White Rhino and 5 080 Black Rhino – comprising 82% of Africa's remaining Rhino population and the last strong hold for Rhinos on earth. Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe contribute a further 3 084 odd animals, with each of these countries facing similar poaching challenges. South Africa has lost 3 427 known animals since 2008.  As of the 10th of September 769 Rhinos have lost their lives to Rhino poachers this year.

Many factors have contributed to Rhino deaths at the hands of poachers with interception of communications between enforcement role players being a possible next step for criminal syndicates. Poaching syndicates are sophisticated in their approach and this, combined with the relative ease of communication hacking today, will wreak havoc with operational security and investigations.

Seecrypt's technology provides end to end, highly encrypted, communications on mobile devices for all the leading mobile operating systems, including iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile 8. Now voice calls, text messages and images can be securely shared by all those involved in the fight against Rhino Poaching.

Elise Daffue, Founding Director of StopRhinoPoaching.com said: "We are up against multiple layers of organised crime – from Rhino Poachers on the ground to wildlife trafficking kingpins sitting overseas. We cannot underestimate the resources they have available to counter our efforts, especially as the demand for horn – and their profit - increases. Our role is to harness selected relationships with trusted stakeholders, directing funding for strategic security initiatives and ranger support.  Seecrypt's significant contribution of a secure communication system will ensure that operational efficiency and information flow of Rhino protection initiatives are protected against these criminal networks."

Ms Daffue continued, "Seecrypt have neutralised a significant threat. Partnerships with the likes of Seecrypt and CSIR will help our Rhinos and those trying so hard to protect them - an effective combination of technology, dedication and peace of mind."

This partnership is managed by the CSIR, whose operational and technical excellence will allow Seecrypt to customise the technology to meet the operation requirements needed. For example Seecrypt's secure message broadcasting solution will have its first ever operational deployment as part of this program. 

"The CSIR's role is to undertake science and research to make a difference and contribute to national priorities. With this collaboration - as with our other partnerships with industry, government and donor organisations - the ultimate aim is using our experience and expertise to find the right solutions to better protect our national assets." says Chris Serfontein, Manager: Technology for Special Operations, CSIR.

"CSIR has a long history of delivering programs in support of national security.  Today fighting poachers who are killing our Rhino's is a national priority.  The collaboration with Seecrypt announced today, together with our other industry partners, government agencies and importantly donor organisations all have the collective aim at saving the Rhino for the benefit of our nation and the millions who enjoy seeing these wonderful animals in their natural habitat." said Mornay Walters, CEO of Seecrypt. "Working together, the CSIR, Seecrypt and StopRhinoPoaching.com will shape the product to allow the maximum advantage of communication secrecy to our anti-poaching teams."

Mr Walters continued "Every day we see the consequences when hackers get hold of private data. Tourists visiting our national parks can also help.  Before you post that photo of a Rhino on social media or share it with a friend please think how the image, if intercepted, can end that Rhino's life.  We urge you not to share it or post it but if you must then Seecrypt Lite is a free app that will allow you to share it securely and our Rhino will be forever in your debt."

About the CSIR
The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) is one of the leading R&D, technology and innovation institutions in Africa, with a track record spanning close to 70 years. The CSIR undertakes scientific research and technological development in areas identified as national priorities. These are the natural environment, safety and security, health, the built environment, energy and industry. Delivering its contribution across the research and innovation value chain, and with the objective to achieve evident impact, the CSIR strives for excellence in all its endeavours in order to increase the global competitiveness of industry and the quality of life of people in South Africa - as well as in the region through collaborative partnerships.  visit us at www.csir.co.za or contact us at +27 12 841 2000.

About StopRhinoPoaching.com
The cruel and gruesome act of killing a Rhino for its horns has struck at the hearts of our country and has mobilised our citizens into wanting to do something to help. StopRhinoPoaching.com launched in July 2010 as a web-based platform, dedicated to raising awareness and effective support for the war against Rhino poaching.  Actively involved with a national footprint for strategic funding of security initiatives and ranger support on the frontlines, we enjoy a close working relationship with many recognised role players, their opinion and experience proving invaluable when establishing projects and the transparent allocation of funding. Focus areas include APU training, the purchasing of basic to advanced equipment, support to proven informant networks and our successful Rhino Dogs project which has so far deployed 27 dogs into the field. Over the past year StopRhinoPoaching.com has especially focused on relationship building by actively encouraging interaction within a growing trusted group of effective and like-minded role-players, each of whom consistently have a positive impact on Rhino security and law enforcement.

For more information on Rhino poaching please visit www.stopRhinoPoaching.com

About Seecrypt:     
Seecrypt has become the globally recognised and trusted provider of encryption technologies for commercial voice and messaging applications. Seecrypt SC3 allows everyday smartphone users to make and receive unlimited calls and texts in complete privacy, worldwide. With each message sent, the app allows for encrypted communication and changes keys with every action. Similar to popular social messaging applications, Seecrypt SC3 is user friendly and easy to use. Available in all major app stores, including Apple App Store, Google Play, Blackberry World and Microsoft, the application allows for military grade encrypted messaging and voice calls between Seecrypt app users. Seecrypt Group Inc. is a privately owned and funded software development company, with regional presence in the United States, Europe and Middle East. Development and network operations are located in Pretoria, South Africa. To learn more about Seecrypt, please visit their website at www.seecrypt.com.