Temple, Texas - November 17, 2011 - Legisym, a high-tech application services provider specializing in digital signature technology for the pharmaceutical supply chain, today announced its certification for the newest Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS) digital encryption standard, Secure Hashing Algorithm (SHA)-256. Ahead of the 2013 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) transition deadline, Legisym is the first CSOS provider upgraded and compatible with this new hashing algorithm per DEA certification in July 2011.

Legisym's Express222 is the only completely Web-based Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS) that meets the strict DEA order management requirements for the safe and secure transport of controlled substance pharmaceuticals. The Web-based technology enables pharmaceutical manufacturing, distribution, and reverse distribution companies to instantly upgrade their CSOS to SHA-256 with no additional effort or investment.

"Our software enables customers to transfer highly sensitive controlled substances, which requires the utmost safety and security measures," said David Kessler, Chief Business Officer of Legisym. "Adhering to the latest industry regulations is thus a critical part of our work. We believe it is imperative to prepare and comply as quickly as possible."

Why the Shift to SHA-256
Developed by the National Security Agency (NSA), SHA-1 is a cryptographic hashing function that is used to transform a string of characters (data) into a fixed length value (or hash value) that represents the original string. An important application of this cryptographic hash function is message integrity, ensuring that any change to the original data will change the hash value.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) decided that Federal agencies should transition to a stronger secure hash algorithm, SHA-256. So in a continuous effort to improve security and limit any weaknesses with SHA-1, CSOS providers and users must switch to SHA-256 for digital signing. The specific dates of release for these new digital certificates will be announced by the DEA/CSOS when available.

In July 2011, Legisym's Express222 passed all rigorous audit requirements as established by the DEA through the Drummond Group, a third party testing lab that conducts interoperability and conformance tests in a neutral environment. The audit confirms Express222's compliance with the new SHA-256 requirements. All current and future Express222 users are able to utilize SHA-1 and SHA-256 generated digital signing certificates.

Purchasing officers, reverse distributors, and distribution specialists who would like more information can visit www.legisym.com or call 254-933-4452.

About Legisym
Legisym (www.legisym.com) combines the benefits of Web-based Software as a Service (SaaS) applications with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) authentication technology to provide the health sciences industry with best-of-breed, secure digital signature solutions. Harnessing the flexibility and freedom of SaaS, Legisym technology enables healthcare supply chain clients to quickly and seamlessly implement digital signature applications into existing systems and e-commerce solutions with no license fees or additional IT resources. The company's technology offers a more robust and efficient alternative to existing digital identity verification, while eliminating errors, reducing costs, and eradicating excess paperwork.

Contact
Andrea Dunbeck
210.853.5858
adunbeck@hbagency.com