Kaspersky Lab has introduced new data encryption software aimed at preventing criminals from hacking secured data. KryptoStorage contains new capabilities to protect businesses against data loss whether intentional or accidental.
The KryptoStorage system is designed to operate invisibly in the background whilst the user works seamlessly with data from day to day. It is intended to be used to encrypt data stored in catalogues on virtual disks and hard drive partitions and, as such, should be applicable across a wide range of data storage systems.
Decryption is performed as a file is accessed and once the file is used and modified it is again encrypted before being stored on the hard drive. The new tools can be applied to data stored internally, externally or locally and password access can be granted using a single phrase for the entire store or different passwords for each individual data file.
The most powerful preventative measure that the new tools embody is the ability to permanently render data inaccessible to third parties regardless as to the storage format. This means that when some of the organisations that use the tools inevitably lose data on portable pen drives or optical media they will not need to worry about a third party gaining access to the information stored therein.
Kaspersky’s CEO commented that incidences of data loss, theft and misuse were growing in number as more and more companies entrusted their data to portable media and unsecured storage systems. He believes that Kaspersky’s new encryption tools will further enhance levels of data protection and prevent loss from both private and public sector organisations.
Ease of use is likely to be at the heart of the success of the new encryption tools. Most users who are required to actively participate in the encryption process are likely to either forget from time to time or simply fail to take the necessary steps because of a lack of appreciation for the potential threat, but with data encryption occurring in the background and without the need for user intervention, it will be far easier for organisations to protect stored information in its entirety.
