IBM offers new mobile security features

IBM next week will announce three new security technologies for its notebook and desktop PCs, including new biometric fingerprint options, data-encryption solutions, and embedded notebook traceability tools.

“Every PC user recognizes that security threats are increasing in volume and complexity,” said Clain Anderson, program director of wireless and security solutions at IBM’s personal computing division. “Our solution is to provide an even stronger, multilayered set of security tools that builds on IBM industry leadership,” Anderson said.  

The new IBM Preferred Pro USB Fingerprint Keyboard and IBM USB Fingerprint Reader offer biometric options for authentication and log-in. The keyboard and reader offer users the convenience to gain access to confidential files with the swipe of a finger, rather than typing passwords for many applications. IBM began offering a built-in fingerprint reader in the ThinkPad T42 notebook in October 2004, and these security solutions extend biometrics to ThinkCentre desktops and to other ThinkPad models. They also work with IBM’s Embedded Security Subsystem, providing a multilayered approach to security. The IBM Preferred Pro USB Fingerprint Keyboard, priced at $99, and the IBM USB Fingerprint Reader, priced at $69, will be available at the end of February.

IBM is also offering new security for PC disk drives. Working with Utimaco, IBM is introducing SafeGuard PrivateDisk, a tool that generates an encrypted “virtual” disk drive that serves as an electronic safe for the secure encryption and storage of sensitive data — on local hard disks, network drives, and all removable media.

Two versions of SafeGuard PrivateDisk will be available: a Personal Edition, which is designed for small and midsize businesses and an Enterprise Edition, which is designed for larger organizations. SafeGuard PrivateDisk-Personal Edition and the Enterprise Edition will be available beginning in March.

IBM is also adding a new anti-theft traceability to its PCs. Working with Absolute Software, IBM has integrated a new version of Absolute’s Computrace solution into the BIOS firmware of new ThinkPad notebooks. Some PCs have traceability features on PC disk drives that can be erased. “By putting it on the BIOS, we’ve eliminated the ability of someone to erase the anti-theft device,” Anderson said.

In the event that a user’s ThinkPad notebook or ThinkCentre desktop is stolen, Absolute guarantees its recovery and, at the user’s request, can remotely delete sensitive data from the stolen computer if data privacy is a concern. If the computer is not recovered within 30 to 60 days, the user may be eligible for a Recovery Guarantee payment of as much as $1,000. Additionally, Absolute provides users with a cost-effective solution for tracking computer location, providing computer hardware/software inventories, managing lease returns, and enabling software-title tracking and license compliance.

IBM ThinkPad notebooks preloaded with Absolute’s Computrace technology will be available later this month.