Safend expands endpoint security

Safend, an international leader in endpoint security, has announced enhanced functionality of its award-winning solution, Safend Protector.

Safend Protector 3.1 is based on the robust Safend Protector platform and expands current features to include data encryption, blockage of hybrid network bridging, and protection from PS/2 hardware keylogger devices.

"A key element of Safend Protector's product features is the ability to encrypt data stored on removable storage devices such as USB drives," says Amir Lubashevsky, director of Magix Integration, a South African distributor of Safend solutions.

"Offering this superior solution to our clients will allow them to maintain efficiency without sacrificing security."

Safend Protector's encryption extends the security borders of the organisation, preventing employees from leaking data through removable media devices. According to Vista Research, 70% of security breaches that involve losses over $100 000 are perpetrated from inside the enterprise. Safend Protector allows administrators to mandate automatic encryption of data transferred from organisational endpoints to approved devices such as USB drives, Disk on Keys, memory sticks and SD cards. Encrypted data is transparent within the corporate network, but cannot be read outside the organisation.

A "Home Decryption Utility" allows authorised users password-protected access to encrypted data on non-organisational computers, such as home office PCs.

"Protecting data stored at the endpoint is becoming increasingly difficult," says Lenny Goodman, Director of Desktop Management for Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation. "Utilising removable storage is convenient but leaves data and the enterprise vulnerable to theft and loss. Safend Protector allows us to encrypt our confidential data and securely transport it within our corporate network as well as outside the enterprise."

Many networking options are available via endpoints, leaving organisations vulnerable to hackers. Safend Protector 3.1 lets administrators control simultaneous use of various networking protocols that can lead to inadvertent or intentional network bridging by blocking WiFi, Bluetooth, Modems or IrDA while the PC is connected to the wired corporate LAN.

"As the local workforce becomes more mobile, companies and organisations will need to protect their corporate assets from malicious tampering," says Lubashevsky. "Safend 3.1 provides the tools to control and monitor device access and connectivity, eliminating potential vulnerabilities."

Safend Protector 3.1 is the only solution available that blocks PS/2 hardware keylogger devices. These devices can record the keystrokes entered on a PC or laptop, leaving private data vulnerable to theft.

"Malicious devices surreptitiously attached to enterprise endpoints can present a significant threat to sensitive corporate and customer data," stated Gartner vice-president and distinguished analyst, John Pescatore. "Passwords and other sensitive information can be compromised and maliciously utilised."

While previous versions of Safend Protector could detect and block USB hardware keyloggers, Safend Protector 3.1 can also detect and render PS/2 hardware keyloggers useless.

"South African companies are starting to see the threat posed by keyloggers and identity theft," notes Lubashevsky. "An enterprise-wide deployment of this solution significantly reduce the risks faced by companies and will bring added security functionality, including preventing network bridging."

"Safend is committed to providing customers with tools to protect their most important asset - corporate data," said Gil Sever, Safend's CEO. "Safend Protector 3.1 layers new security features on top of the existing, iron-clad Safend Protector Security Platform, offering dimensions unseen in any other security solution."