Dell Introduces File Level Encryption

Dell Data Protection Encryption Local Managed Console

Dell on Wednesday launched Dell Data Protection Encryption software. Targeted to SMBs and enterprise customers, Dell claims it provides flexible, manageable and auditable endpoint encryption while simplifying data protection and complying with security regulations.

Dell Data Protection Encryption is file-based, encrypting on a per-file basis, rather than for an entire logical volume or physical disk, and can be used on desktop and notebook computers, tablets, external/removable media and other endpoint devices. Encryption for external/removable media includes external hard drives, eSata drives, 1394 devices, optical and secure digital.

The small business offering, the Dell Data Protection Encryption Client, is locally managed, with encryption keys saved to on site to media such as USB flash drives.

The Dell Data Protection Encryption Enterprise Edition is intended for midsize to large organizations, includes client and console licenses and central centrally management. It also offers reporting via a remote management console that allows users to detect devices, enforce encryption and audit encryption state.

File access can be constrained to only the machine on which the encryption key is generated.

Dell plans to offer the software pre-installed on Dell Latitude notebooks, Dell OptiPlex desktops and Dell Precision mobile and desktop workstations.

"This is one of Dell's first offerings in endpoint solutions with back-end management," said David Konetski, business client, office of the CTO at Dell.

Encryption of files on endpoint devices, external storage and removable media is one way for organizations to meet government and industry compliance regulations regarding "data at rest," for example, in case the device or media is lost, stolen or misplaced. If devices are configured properly, users cannot unintentionally create unprotected removable files.

Eric Ouellet, VP, secure business enablement, Gartner, commented, "Regulatory compliance is pushing companies to protect or risk fines. File-based encryption is more granular than whole-disk encryption, making it a good match for use with remote devices, external drives and removable media, which are what employees take on the road and to and from home. A solution like this is especially useful for organizations looking to keep the number of vendors to a minimum. And Dell's solutions doesn't force a company to change what computers or devices they are using or will buy."

Dell Data Protection Encryption Remote Management Console

According to Dell, the encryption offered by Dell Data Protection Encryption is Federal Information Process Standards validated, and "provides auditing and regulatory compliance management for industry, federal and state regulations like the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards."

Unlike whole-disk encryption, file-level level encryption does not need to interfere with IT administration, patching, backup or migration.

"Sector-based encryption, which treats encryption as a drive technology, has deployment and other issues," observed Konetski. "Deploying file-based encryption, for example means there is no need to erase disks and to Chkdsk or reformatting on a drive to make sure there are no bad sectors and no data left visible. Backups don't require full decryption, and, Konetski said, "To migrate data for machine end-of-life, or in the event of a catastrophic failure, you simply move files over and transfer the keys. When we developed this product, we had experience in deploying and supporting encryption on endpoints. So we are familiar with the pain points in wanting to do and maintain encryption."

Dell Data Protection Encryption includes compliance templates to help set up policies that comply with the relevant regulations and generate needed reports. According to Dell, the files to be encrypted can be specified, for example, based on end-user profile, data sensitivity and compliance needs.

Volume licensing is available for Dell and non-Dell systems for both Windows and Mac. Through a relationship with Credant, Dell offers optional support for encryption on select smartphones and non-Windows OS. There is also a stand-alone version of the solution that can be used by end-users.

Pricing for the SMB version is $59.99/seat, and includes a local management console. Pricing for the managed enterprise version seats is $85/seat for 1 to 999 seats, including console and client agent.