Rating: 8/10
Security is a big issue for many people as they have access to sensitive information that they can't allow into the wrong hands. DESlock+ is a software/hardware combination designed to keep that data under your control, even if the PC it's on is stolen or lost.
Designed by security experts DES, the DESlock+ application encrypts entire folder structures using AES, III DES or Blowfish algorithms. These are at the robust end of encryption technology, protecting your data from anyone who hasn't the right passwords. This in itself would be enough, but DES added DESkey USB keys to this system, where the encryption keys are stored. Without the key and the password you can't access the data.
This is all neatly handled by the software, which will hide an encrypted folder until the USB key is plugged in and password provided, at which point it magically appears. Each DESkey can hold 64 different encryption keys and also has enough space for user specific secret data like PIN numbers, etc. The only requirement is that for each PC you intend to use with the system you must install the DESlock+ application software that comes on CD. After that's done, DESkeys can be registered with the system and passwords allocated to generate keys.
Once this is done and the USB key is registered on the PC, any folder and its contents can be encrypted - even ones on network drives not physically connected to the PC. It can also encrypt e-mail created using Outlook, Outlook Express or Lotus notes for secure communications. Specifically supporting the corporate user, features within the Desklock+ application manage multiple keys and users. Using these folders can be accessed by a range of approved key holders easily.
So what's the chance of this security being cracked? Slim at very best. Not only are the encryption keys and methods horribly long and therefore difficult to break through brute force, but the DESkey device includes a banking-approved Smartcard core. This means that if an unscrupulous person has both the PC and the DESkey he's still some distance from getting at your password and data.
If you think the DESkey is a step too far then a software only version can be downloaded on a 60-day free trial. After which it can be purchased for £25 + VAT per user, and DESkeys will set you back £40 + VAT.
This seems remarkably cheap considering the high level of security on offer, which might be priceless for anyone with real secrets to keep.
For more information, visit Micromart.co.uk