A flexible Solution for USB Memory, File Encryption and Strong Authentication.
Digital Security in the Virtual Enterprise
The "virtual enterprise" is being empowered by the utilization of public and private data networks, a strategic technology-based asset that impacts operational efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. Employees, suppliers and customers require on-demand access to applications and data from any location with any type of system, including laptops, thin clients and kiosks. In addition, mobile workers need easy access to their personal files, documents and digital identity credentials, no matter where they are working.
Information Technology (IT) organizations and equipment manufacturers are responding with flexible solutions that can be customized based on specific security policies and compliance requirements. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and secure web access systems are often deployed for remote access to enterprise networks. USB flash drives with large memory capacities are commonly used by employees to transfer and exchange data, both within and outside the enterprise. However, IT security risks tend to increase as the utilization of these technologies becomes more widespread. Although VPNs provide a high level of protection for end-to-end network connections, they typically have limited client-side security. And, because most organizations use single-factor authentication - a user name and password - to verify user identities, their remote access systems are at risk because user identity credentials are sometimes hacked or stolen. USB drives are also vulnerable because they offer unprotected data storage and can easily be lost or stolen.
To mitigate these risks, many organizations use separate systems and components for secure remote access and portable data storage. Strong authentication and personalized certificate-based services are being implemented to manage network identity credentials. However, this approach requires multiple end-user devices, passwords and digital certificates, making it more difficult for IT organizations to implement and support and more inefficient and cumbersome for endusers.
Gemalto, a leader in digital security, is addressing these challenges with the Secure Digital Companion, a convenient, multipurpose digital security solution that helps protect enterprise networks and enables end-users to be more productive, efficient and secure when accessing applications and data.
Gemalto’s Innovative Personal Security Solution
Secure Digital Companion is an integrated security system that protects files, documents and network identity credentials with a personal digital security key. The smart-card based device uses an advanced data encryption algorithm to protect personal information and data. It’s easy to use and provides the highest level of data security for end-users. Drivers for the device are automatically installed so no user installation is necessary and IT support requirements are minimal.
Secure Access to USB Data
Secure Digital Companion features a USB Flash memory device that stores personal documents and files and protects them with a user-designated Personal Identification Number (PIN). Users can update their PIN and also unblock the device with a unique administrative PIN.
File Encryption
Secure Digital Companion uses Utimaco SafeGuard® PrivateDisk, a flexible softwarebased encryption technology, to protect data stored on the device. As an option, it can be upgraded with SafeGuard® PrivateDisk Personal or Enterprise edition to protect files and documents stored on the user’s PC, removable media and network file servers. This enables end-users to protect all of their confidential data transparently without additional authentication. Support from the Microsoft Management Console makes administration easy and adaptable to a broad range of security policies.
Certificate-based services
Secure Digital Companion supports transaction authorization for business-tobusiness, finance and e-government applications with CC EAL4+ compliant smart cards. When complemented with the Gemalto eSigner browser plug-in, it can provide extended digital signing capabilities for all major web browsers and can be integrated into existing web applications as well as XML, HTML, PDF, RTF and TXT documents.
Access Remote Networks Securely
Secure Digital Companion can be extended to provide secure network login with one-time passwords using Protiva, Gemalto’s strong authentication platform. As an option, the device can be equipped with a Protiva OATH application which implements a standard algorithm developed by the Open Authentication Initiative for strong authentication to enterprise networks, online financial institutions and trust-based Web sites. Protiva also can be used with Citrix Access Suite for strong authentication and secure VPN access.
Secure Digital Companion Specifications
Security and authentication
- OATH compliant (6 / 8 digit OTP)
- Common Criteria EAL4+ / PPSSCD certified European Digital Signature Law compliant
- End user self-service PIN unblock capabilities
Communications and platforms
- USB 2.0 Full Speed connection
- Uses Windows operating system embedded drivers
- Compatible with Windows® 2000, Windows Server 2003 , Windows XP