Pointsec solution controls copying of data onto USB storage devices
23 January 2007 London, UK. Pointsec Mobile Technologies has launched
the Pointsec Device Protector to control access to data through the security
weak points of computer ports and portable storage devices. The new system
secures data access through a combination of port management, content
filtering and optional media encryption. USB storage devices, along with
other plug-and-play removable media devices, can connect directly into
workstations and function without IT authorization or knowledge. The current
breed of these thumb-size devices can hold up to 8 gigabytes of data, giving
an attacker the ability to easily import unauthorized data, unlicensed
software, malicious code, games, screensavers and other inappropriate
material. More importantly, these devices increase the risk of theft of
intellectual property and proprietary information.
“While organizations of all sizes are scrambling to protect their
sensitive information through security solutions designed for networks, port
security is one avenue of data loss at the endpoint that many IT managers
are just now becoming aware of through recently reported data breaches,”
said Erik Johannisson, Chief Technology Office, Pointsec Mobile
Technologies. “The risk of data loss through unprotected ports and
plug-and-play storage devices is a serious concern among all organizations
in possession of confidential data. Once this sensitive information is
copied through a port to a storage device — whether it is by a malicious
insider or a well-meaning insider who is unaware of the security policy — it
becomes vulnerable to loss, theft and unauthorized use.” According to
Gartner, Inc.’s June 26, 2006 report, Stolen FTC Laptops Show Extent of Lax
Security Data Practices, “Organizations need to take a strategic, layered
approach to data security, rather than focusing solely on one or two
exposure points. To ensure that more than laptop data is protected,
organizations should not allow employees to transfer sensitive data to
unmanaged systems or PCs and should implement endpoint activity enforcement
products to restrict USB transfers.” Pointsec Device Protector combines
port and storage device management from Reflex Magnetics’ DiskNet Pro
solution with media encryption to protect both removable storage media and
email in transit by providing automatic real-time encryption.
This enables control of employees’ use of personal removable media
devices such as USB drives, Bluetooth smartphones, digital cameras and music
players, that have wired or wireless connections to their work PCs. The
product effectively prevents or limits data transfers to these devices
through a configurable security policy and content filtering to ensure that
corporate IT infrastructure cannot be used for illegal distribution of
copyrighted content or installation of malicious software. Johannisson
added, “Pointsec is focused on protecting sensitive information where it is
most vulnerable — the endpoints of the network. As the security landscape
evolves with increased technology innovation, so do the risks and our
customers are clearly concerned about securing all data leak points. With
Pointsec Device Protector, we have responded to customer demand with a
simple, reliable way to secure and protect their data with low operational
costs.” To top
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