Pointsec is to ship a Linux version of its disk encryption tools

Security specialist Pointsec Mobile Technologies last week announced it will extend its suite of client-side security tools to cover Linux-based laptops and desktops. The firm said it is the only enterprise security vendor to offer a complete hard disk encryption system for the Linux platform.

Pointsec for Linux, set to ship in early 2005, will let firms deploy Linux laptops to mobile staff with the same security afforded to Windows laptops under the existing Pointsec for PC product. The move demonstrates the growing importance of Linux as a platform for business clients.

"The explosion of Linux, especially on notebook PCs that are easily lost or stolen, has created a compelling need for strong, automatic data security," Pointsec president Peter Larsson said in a statement.

Pointsec for PC enforces password access to the laptop and encrypts all files on the hard disk, including the operating system and temporary files, plus documents written to removable storage media.

It will not allow the operating system to start unless the user is properly authenticated, either via a password or by a smartcard. Because encryption and decryption is automatic, it is transparent to users and does not impede performance or productivity, according to Pointsec.

Pointsec said the Linux version of the tool will offer exactly the same features, but will run under desktop distributions from Red Hat and Novell's Suse instead of Windows.

A key part of Pointsec's security products is that they can be centrally managed and controlled by an IT administrator. With Pointsec for Linux, as with Pointsec for PC, administrators can centrally create, deploy and manage security policies across their client systems.

Pointsec also offers similar security protection for wireless client devices running Palm OS, Symbian OS, and Microsoft's Pocket PC.

Poinsec for Linux will be available only under volume licensing for enterprise customers, priced from £8,500 + VAT for 100 users. Customers will be able to move users from a Windows to a Linux licence for no extra charge, the company said.


Source : ITWeek