Utimaco SafeGuard Easy Hard Disk Encryption

Release Notes SafeGuard Easy Version 4.20

SafeGuard Easy's hard disk encryption, which provides base protection for PCs and laptops, has now established itself as an effective, secure and easily-maintained solution for thousands of companies, from small offices up to multinational groups. The latest version of SafeGuard Easy contains many new functions, among other things certification to FIPS 140-2 (Level 1) and compatibility to Absolute’s Computrace Software.

Certification to FIPS 140-2 Level 1

SafeGuard Easy now complies with the guidelines of FIPS 140-2 Level 1 FIPS= Federal Information Processing Standard) certification by the American National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST defines the security criteria for encryption products used by the American government.

SafeGuard Easy is planned to receive full certification in the first quarter of 2006. SafeGuard® Easy is already certified in accordance with the Common Criteria standard, Evaluation Assurance Level 3 (EAL 3). With Evaluation Assurance Level 3 SafeGuard Easy was awarded the attribute "Medium", after an intensive security test, which is a high level for a software product.

Compatibility with Absolute Computrace software

This version of SafeGuard Easy now works together problem-free with the company Absolute Software Corp’s Computrace product on a mobile device. This applies both to the BIOS-based Computrace variant which is available as an option on several Lenovo machines and also to the software variant. When Computrace is installed, a stolen computer reports in via a network and gives its location. The compatibility with SafeGuard Easy means that this now also works with encrypted hard disks.

Compatibility with Lenovo CSS 6.0

SafeGuard Easy is now compatible with Lenovo Client Security System 6.0 (in addition to version 5.4).

Hiding the SAL dialog

The SafeGuard Easy SAL function automatically logs users onto the operating system. The user activates the SAL via a dialog prompt. To prevent users from refusing automatic Windows logon, SafeGuard Easy can suppress this dialog, if required, and run the SAL without a prompt.

Rules for token PINs

SafeGuard Easy supplies special rules for passwords, for example, a configurable list of forbidden passwords, extended rules for special characters etc. In future these password rules will also apply for token PINs. When users choose their PIN they must comply with these rules, or their PIN will not be permitted.

Additional Client information in the Administration Console

In the current version, there is more informational content in the Administration Console. A function now shows when (date, time) an SGE Client last finally sent its current configuration data to the SGE Server. The Helpdesk uses this information, among other things, to check whether the SGE Client is operating with the most up to date settings.

Optional extendibility

SafeGuard Easy is not a stand-alone solution. Benefiting from the wide range of Utimaco's product portfolio, the customer can extend SafeGuard Easy in many directions to meet their requirements. For example:

A web-based helpdesk interface with connected Hardware Security Module (HSM) for key management or biometric voice recognition via a VoiceTrust server offer additional helpdesk options, which are of particular benefit in large-scale environments.
Transparent file and folder encryption guarantees that data for working groups remains confidential on the network or terminal server.
The implementation of extended security guidelines, for example for access to PnP devices, exchangeable data media (CD/DVD) or certain file types, protects against unauthorized data export and import, and prevents computer viruses from being smuggled in.
Single Sign On (SSO) increases user-friendliness and reduces helpdesk costs. It can be implemented on almost every password-based application, locally, on the web or on the terminal server.
Small mobile devices such as Pocket PCs can also be protected just as efficiently using SafeGuard PDA, SafeGuard Easy's stablemate.

Aladdin eToken PRO

The Aladdin eToken PRO USB form factor smartcard provides two factor authentication at pre boot when used with SafeGuard Easy. The tokens can be managed using the Aladdin Token Management System together with the Utimaco TMS SafeGuard® Plugin, together this provides a seamless way to manage SafeGuard credentials in an Active Directory environment.

Aladdin eToken NG-OTP

The recent introduction of the new Aladdin NG-OTP token combines the tried and trusted USB form factor smartcard together with a One Time Password generator. When used with the Token Management System (TMS) this token delivers a more easily managed, better integrated, more cost effective and future proof solution for identity management than the traditional alternative.

Aladdin TMS

The Aladdin Token Management System (TMS™) is a robust management system that enables the deployment, provisioning and maintenance of all eToken devices, including security tokens, smartcards and ID badges, within an organization. It supports a comprehensive range of security applications such as network logon, VPN, web access, one-time password authentication, secure e-mail, data encryption and many others.