News

posted on 21 February 2008 09:56

Seagate and Phoenix are partnering to combine BIOS firmware and hard drive encryption so as to better protect data on stolen and lost notebook PCs.

Through the agreement Phoenix' FailSafe service and its SecureCore firmware will be integrated with Seagate Secure technology.

Phoenix FailSafe allows PC system vendors to embed a command and control system on a notebook PC to help track, control and recover lost or stolen mobile PCs. Users can remotely encrypt, lock and even erase data on lost laptops to protect sensitive or private information. Consumers, small business owners and IT managers will be able to remotely manage mobile PCs, pretty much like mobile phones are managed, through a web interface.

Seagate Secure technology is a security platform combining strong, fully-automated, hardware-based, full disk encryption and security, with a programmatic interface that makes it easy to add other software security applications.

Phoenix's FailSafe supports Seagate Secure encrypting hard drives to deliver robust data protection, flexibility and end-user transparency under a web-based management console and policy framework. Phoenix plans to offer OEMs new Seagate Secure technology platform-based features such as pre-boot authentication and local configuration of the Seagate Secure encrypting hard disk drive security for local PC operation via Phoenix's SecureCore firmware.

It looks a neat partnership. In the event the mobile PC is lost or stolen, either Phoenix's SecureCore firmware or FailSafe software and Seagate Secure technology will require users to authenticate themselves to the hard drive before the drive will unlock and the computer will boot up. In addition, users of Phoenix's FailSafe software and services will be able to remotely and cryptographically erase their stored data in seconds, preventing sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

John Bedrick, a man with such a very long title: Senior Director, Strategic Marketing & New Market Development for IT Security, that he has a double-sided business card, said: "Phoenix SecureCore firmware gives OEMs and end users control over the Seagate Secure encrypting hard disk drives, while Phoenix FailSafe offers a new level of protection by giving computer users and IT organizations an effective way to protect and erase or recover data on lost or stolen mobile PCs. The Seagate-Phoenix solution provides unmatched data-at-rest protection and peace of mind for mobile PC owners and IT organizations."

On the Phoenix front, Surendra Arora, business development VP, said: "Phoenix FailSafe combined with Seagate Secure technology offers a powerful solution to locate missing laptops, while remotely protecting vital files stored on the hard drive. In today's world, this level of advanced protection is a requirement to ensure sensitive data remains safe from cyber criminals."

It's hard to disagree with these sentiments. Next-generation laptops should be a great deal more secure.

(See also the Virtuity story here.)