Safend Improves Mobile Security Software

IT security company, Safend, has made three improvements to its Safend Protector software – a client/server application for setting and enforcing security policies on the use of USB and CD-ROM drives and other removable storage media on laptops and other devices.

The latest version – Version 3.1 – includes data encryption, network bridging management and key logger protection.

It prevents the client from connecting to wired and wireless networks at the same time, and disables PS/2-based hardware keyloggers. It can also encrypt data moved from an enterprise computer to removable storage devices such as USB drivers or CD ROM disks. Previously the software had to be set up so that users were required to use specific drives encrypted by some other software product.

The software supports the 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm. Encryption policies are set for a given user or a given machine, but can’t encrypt by file type. A program called the Home Decryption Utility can be loaded by authorized enterprise users on their home PCs, allowing that PC to access the encrypted data.

Version 3.1 also prevents a laptop, once it plugs into the corporate LAN, from connecting at the same time over other network options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, dial-up modems, IrDA infrared and 3G cellular networks. This dual connection, called network bridging, is a potential security risk as it may allow access to an attacker. Safend Protector can be configured to block these connections when the Ethernet link is operational.

The new version can disable PS/2 key loggers; inline hardware devices that are installed via a PS/2 connector cable between a PC and its keyboard. The key logger records the key strokes, which then are used to determine usernames and passwords.

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