Full Disk Encryption Essential for Data in Motion
Nov 22nd, 2008 by shop-universal-best-buy
Full-Disk Encryption Essential for Data in Motion
In February, Pfizer, the world’s biggest research-based biomedical and pharmaceutical organization, reported the theft of a laptop possibly exposing 800 current and old employees and contractors to identity theft.
On the laptop computer were names, credit card numbers, addresses, phone numbers, hotel loyalty program numbers as well as a incalculable of other data. It did not appear any social security numbers or PIN codes were exposed.
The thieves stole a password protected laptop from a contractor’s house who was making travel arrangements and meeting schedules for Pfizer. Many operating systems store application data in numerous locations on your PC. Full-Disk encryption is the only means to secure your entire hard-drive.
Normal file or folder encryption including vault encryption is no match for the benefits of full disk encryption.
With full disk encryption:
* Swap space and temporary folders are files which could reveal confidential information, but now can be encrypted along with most all other data, with full disk encryption
* Support for pre-boot authentication (PBA) which prevents the operating system from loading until the user confirms the right password
* Allows for immediate destruction of all information by destroying the cryptographic key
Due to recent lap-top thefts and security breaches, it is vital that full data encryption is enlisted by individuals to best secure all confidential data. This is the same reason the US Government is currently conducting a comparison of various FDE solutions to select and implement the best one. If you have information that needs to be kept secure, but is in a risky place, you should use full disk encryption to encrypt and protect your information.
Christopher is a full time security evangelist for Lexan Systems in Windham, NH.
Full-Disk Encryption Essential for Data in Motion / Author: Christopher Spence
Occupation: Security Evangelist
Christopher works full time as an Security Consultant at Lexan Systems L.L.C. This article may be used on your Information Security related site as long as it remains unchanged and the author, bio box, and links to our sites remain in place and unaltered.
http://www.lexansystems.com
