Penten, one of Australia’s leading national security technology companies, has officially released its updated AltoCrypt pBox product, an anti-eavesdropping device.

First launched in 2018, the pBox is a portable container designed to prevent mobile phones from listening in on sensitive and classified conversations.

The 2021 upgraded version has: updated software, improved locking system, faster charging of device, custom parts and a sleek new look.

The product allows workers to remain in close contact with their phones in important meetings and secure facilities, without the risk of the phone eavesdropping or collecting video.

The new pBox design is manufactured in Australia with new enhancements and at a lower cost than the previous model due to a sovereign partnership between GME and Penten.

The custom manufacturing by Penten and GME in Australia allows for larger quantities of the product to be built at a significantly lower price, allowing Penten to pass this saving directly through to customers.

GME manages this by leveraging off its robust supply chain, its state-of-the-art Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing equipment and production facilities. SMT is a method in which the electrical components are mounted directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB). This method increases manufacturing automation reducing cost and improving quality.

“The pBox is one of our flagship products and we are thrilled to be able to bring this new iteration to market,” Penten’s General Manager, Business Strategy, Joshua Bolton said.

“In addition to providing security and peace of mind to our customers, our new pBox is entirely made in Australia with our manufacturing partner GME,” Mr Bolton said.

“Penten has always believed that Australia is well placed to be a global hub for national security technology and this product is proof it’s possible to cost effectively manufacture in Australia,” he said.

“Given the wealth of knowhow and capability in Australia, there is no reason why the country cannot forge a path as a global technology leader,” Mr Bolton said.

“GME is extremely proud to be contributing to enhancing Australia’s national security by providing sovereign industrial capability from our manufacturing facility based in Winston Hills, Sydney.” GME’s Defence Program Manager, Winslow Tam said.

pBox comes under Penten’s Secure Mobility division, which also manufactures the AltoCrypt Phone and AltoCrypt Stik.