Gemalto, McAfee introduce two-factor authentication for full disk encryption
ConvergenceAsia staff
15/05/2008

Gemalto and McAfee have announced a new integrated solution that enables PC and laptop users secure and convenient access to fully encrypted disks through strong, secure, hardware-based, two factor authentication.

Both the Gemalto .NET smart card and their Smart Enterprise Guardian (SEG) digital security device have been tested and validated for compatibility with the McAfee Endpoint Encryption solution and McAfee Total Protection for Data. Users of these McAfee products can now leverage Gemalto smart cards and security tokens to authenticate themselves to their encrypted devices.

McAfee Endpoint Encryption coupled with Gemalto’s .NET devices, guarantees that sensitive data, whether in transition or within the company, is secure. The integrated solution protects organisations from data security access breaches that result in costly disclosure events, lost revenue and damaged brands.

McAfee Endpoint Encryption includes full disk encryption to ensure security of information stored on desktops, laptops, tablets and other mobile devices. The encryption is transparent to the user and performed “on the fly” so it does not affect user productivity.

Security administrators can set a system to prompt for authentication before it even starts booting to protect against possible attacks on the operating system, or just before it is finished booting. Users must insert their Gemalto digital security device and enter a passphrase or PIN before being authorised to access the system data.

In addition, management of McAfee Endpoint Encryption can be centralised, enabling demonstration of compliance with data privacy legislation as well as internal and external security mandates. The integrated solution from Gemalto and McAfee makes it easy to adopt data security measures for organisations and the end user, and reduces the potential risk posed by employees not adhering to data security policies.

Gemalto, formed in June 2006 by the combination of Axalto and Gemplus, provides end-to-end digital security solutions, from the development of software applications through design and production of secure personal devices such as smart cards, SIMs, e-passports and tokens to the deployment of managed services for its customers.

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