Using a web-based console, administrators can also apply policies to Security Guardian devices used by their staff, and locate them if required using their built-in GPS capability.

However, the GPS does not simply allow lost devices to be tracked, but also enables organisations to set location-specific policies governing their operation.

The memory can be enabled or disabled for specific geographic areas, so a hospital could configure their memory sticks to only work when they are actually on the premises,” said Shaw.

Administrators can also set a policy so that the device will automatically disable its memory if it has been unable to check in with the ExactTrak cloud service for any length of time.

In this state, the data is preserved, but cannot be accessed until the Security Guardian is able to communicate with the management service again. When the memory is disabled, it is electrically isolated from the USB interface, according to ExactTrak.

Unlike many other secure USB Flash drives, Security Guardian devices are not self-encrypting. This is because customers told ExactTrak that they wanted them to function with encryption services they were already using, such as Becrypt Trusted Client, Shaw said.

Because of the unusual nature of the Security Guardian devices, they will be sold via system integrators such as Fujitsu as part of a service package including GSM provision. Customers can expect to pay £25 to £30 per device per month.

Published in V3.co.uk  Feb 2012