Endpoint data protection specialist, GuardianEdge has launched ‘Dispelling the myths’, a five-point guide to help break down misconceptions about full hard disk encryption within the enterprise.

The proliferation of highly mobile computing devices has created a major and expanding security concern for enterprises. According to recent studies by Gartner, mobile PC shipments will approach parity with desk-based units globally by 2010, and mobile PCs will outsell desk-based PCs in many mature markets (especially mature home markets).  [1]

These portable devices provide broad access to important enterprise data and due to their size are more vulnerable to theft and loss. However, the majority of these devices are not adequately protected.

According to GuardianEdge, numerous myths persist about the risks of using full disk encryption in the enterprise. The top five myths, which focus on enterprise manageability, are as follows:

Myth 1: Full disk encryption increases the risk of hard drive failure

Myth 2: It reduces end-user productivity by slowing system performance and changing login behaviour

Myth 3: It requires in-person configuration of every computer by IT personnel

Myth 4: It does not interoperate with enterprise management systems, such as the LDAP directory services

Myth 5: Password recovery is impossible – or if it is possible, the costs are too high

“Although hard drive encryption is quickly becoming a security industry standard, companies are still blinkered by myths about full disk data encryption,” said Lynton Stewart-Ashley, channel sales director UK & EMEA, GuardianEdge. “Many fear that full disk encryption won’t be manageable, that there will be additional work for the end user, or that it will increase hard drive failure. However this isn’t the case, and enterprises need to be made aware if they are to fully secure their most critical information.”

Stewart-Ashley continued: “Those in charge of security for the enterprise tend to focus on guarding against viruses and spam, and more are looking at data leak prevention and data loss tracking. However, only about a third recognise that the most effective method to prevent critical information getting into the wrong hands is through encryption. It’s impractical to think that you can completely prevent employees from losing a laptop or handheld. But if those devices are fully encrypted you can relax knowing that information is impenetrable.”

For a copy of the booklet, “Managing Encrypted Disks in the Enterprise:

Breaking Down the Barriers/Exploding the Myths,” visit the GuardianEdge website, http://www.guardianedge.com/white_papers/exploding_the_myths.html

[1] Mobile PC Scenario, 2007 to 2010: Trends and Drivers. 6 September 2006. Stephen Kleynhans  and Leslie Fiering

About GuardianEdge Technologies
GuardianEdge Technologies is a market leader in reducing the cost and complexity of end-point enterprise data protection. More than two million users around the world depend on GuardianEdge encryption to protect sensitive and proprietary information, to ensure compliance with rules for safeguarding privacy and to enable secure enterprise mobility.  Major organizations that use the company’s encryption software include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Deutsche Bank AG and Humana Inc., as well as numerous agencies in the U.S. departments of veteran affairs, defense, state and education.