The volume file that stores all contents of a PrivateDisk, can be saved on local hard disks, portable media (floppy, Zip or MO disks, CD-ROMs, DVD, memory sticks, flash memory cards etc.) as well as in networks.

File Protection through Users

With SafeGuard PrivateDisk, users have the benefit of protecting their own sensitive information: they can create their own PrivateDisks, activate them when required and store personal or work related files on them. Examples of such documents would be customer files, corporate strategies, employee records, mergers or product information.

For users, there is no difference in using a virtual or a real hard drive. They are able to create, save, move or copy files in the way they are used to. A PrivateDisk may be used by other authorized users and every user can operate several Private-Disks in parallel.

Strong Data Security and High User Acceptance

SafeGuard PrivateDisk with its self-explanatory functionality is exceptionally easy to use. The product requires no initial training and is renowned for its high user acceptance.

Characteristics

Confidentiality by Encryption

SafeGuard PrivateDisk makes full use of Utimaco Safeware’s "Secure Virtual Disk" technology. It combines longstanding and proven virtual disk technology for personal computers with strong encryption and password protection and X.509 certificates.

Seamless Integration in Familiar Computer Usage

SafeGuard PrivateDisk fits seamlessly into PC workplaces and familiar computer usage. Files are protected during transfer when users exchange files with other authorized users: on the Internet, LAN or wireless LAN.

Also sniffers or data spies on local PCs and in the network do not have a chance. Data always remains encrypted on the hard drive, even while working with encrypted files - clear text content is kept only in working memory. In addition, metafile information, such as file names and sizes, and other characteristics including the author, keywords or summaries are encrypted and therefore hidden.

File Security for Thousands of PCs

SafeGuard PrivateDisk combines sophisticated security mechanisms with userfriendly convenience. The administrative tools and interfaces that accompany the product’s "Enterprise Edition" ensure that companies can carry out corporate wide solutions from just one to thousands of PCs.

The installation of SafeGuard PrivateDisk uses the Windows Installer technology. Both installation and configuration can be managed conveniently and remotely by using Windows distribution mechanisms. Other software management tools may be used alternatively.

File Protection with and without Certificate Infrastructure

SafeGuard PrivateDisk requires no infrastructure when used alone. However, there is an optional link to an existing PKI (Public Key Infrastructure). Corporate rollouts may be supported by existing smartcards. These options allow corporations to increase their security levels as well as their flexibility.

Scaleable File Security

The program is suitable for every PC user: The "Personal Edition" of SafeGuard PrivateDisk is competitively priced, requires the minimum of administration and training and is easy to use. The package fulfils the needs of both small and home offices (SoHos) as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), e.g. offices, subsidiaries, company departments or law offices.

The "Enterprise Edition" of SafeGuard PrivateDisk offers the best preconditions for large organisations to achieve desktop security projects successfully with its sophisticated configuration settings in administration.

Specifications - SG PrivateDisk

System Requirements for Windows

Hardware
PC with Intel Pentium or compatible processor

Operating Systems
Microsoft Windows XP,
Microsoft Windows 2000,
Microsoft Windows NT Version 4.0

Interoperability/Technical Data

Third-party Suppliers
Integration of Microsoft Crypto API: by Cryptographic Service Providers (CSP) any RSA-enabled components of third party suppliers can be used for user authentication (e.g. smartcards or USB tokens)

Cryptography
AES (Rijndael) 128 bit key length, RSA, PKCS#5, X.509 certificates

Special Features

• Fast and transparent encryption by simulating an additional disk drive
• Usable on hard drives, network drives and portable media such as CD-ROM, floppy, Zip, MO, JAZ drives, USB storage devices/ memory sticks and flash memory cards etc.
• Seamless integration into Windows Explorer
• User authentication by passwords and/or X.509 certificates
• Supports smartcards and USB tokens
• Central administration of security relevant settings by Group Policy Objects *)
• Recovery of volume files *)
• Optional erasing of Windows pagefiles during system shut down

Remark
All other trademarks mentioned are the pro-perty of their respective owners.

Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

*) Enterprise Edition only