Portable Add-ons Launches KeyDrive Family of Authenticated Data Encryption Products

Portable Add-ons, a leading supplier of mobile computing software and hardware, today announced the launch of the KeyDrive family, a simple but very secure computer data encryption solution designed to address the data security concerns of consumer and network administrators alike. KeyDrive Version 1.1, available in a standard version for individual users and a Pro version for the administered network environment, is an easy-to-use advanced disk encryption tool that employs a two-factor authentication process comprised of a USB key and a user-selected four digit PIN code.

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 00, 2002 – Portable Add-ons, a leading supplier of mobile computing software and hardware, today announced the launch of the KeyDrive family, a simple but very secure computer data encryption solution designed to address the data security concerns of consumer and network administrators alike.

KeyDrive Version 1.1, available in a standard version for individual users and a Pro version for the administered network environment, is an easy-to-use advanced disk encryption tool that employs a two-factor authentication process comprised of a USB key and a user-selected four digit PIN code.

Protecting and encrypting data such as credit card numbers, contact information and applications on a users laptop computer or sensitive data like corporate documents, payroll information and personal files on a network computer is made simple with this easy-to-implement solution," explained Dr. David Case, creator of the KeyDrive products. To enhance the level of security provided by the KeyDrive solution, our dual-factor security feature authenticates users before access is granted to their encrypted information."

Features of KeyDrive Standard include high-speed ciphers, user-configurable encrypted volume, data recovery utility, a customisable user interface, and adjustable key length. The Pro version is configurable by the network administrator and adds central rollout capability, random key generation, and key-protected administration.
When installed on the users notebook or desktop, the end-user application is practically invisible and requires no action on the part of the user other than inserting their USB key and supplying the user-established PIN number. This login information is verified and, if correct, access is granted to the secure KeyDrive on your laptop. If the key is removed from the USB port or an invalid PIN code is entered, access is denied. Any application saving to the secure KeyDrive area automatically has its data encrypted and is decrypted when loaded back into the application. The KeyDrive area can also be created on a network drive to ensure corporate data is fully protected.

According to the Gartner Group, MIS departments spend around 15-20% of their time – at a cost of approximately $20 per call – resetting passwords," commented John Davis, VP of Sales. With maybe 200 applications running across an enterprise, its no wonder users try and cheat the system with Post-It Notes and pets names creating unnecessary cost and weakness in the system. The KeyDrive seamlessly integrates into every day usage – without intrusion, without risk – benefiting user and MIS staff alike."
Available now through solution providers and direct marketers including PC Connection (www.pcconnection.com), KeyDrives standard version retails for $129 and KeyDrive PRO 1.1 retails at $149 with discounts offered for volume purchases. Additional information is available from www.portable.co.uk.

About Portable Add-ons
Portable Add-ons, founded in February 1992, was established to meet the increasing demand for high quality peripheral products in the mobile computing sector. As the UK's leading mobile computing supplier, Portable Add-ons offers 'best of breed' solutions to meet the needs of all mobile users.
Based in Hampshire, UK, the company's two-tier product strategy embraces all mobile-computing environments - innovative and award-winning notebook computing solutions that meet the precise computing requirements of the mobile user. In addition to a robust product line that includes laptop cases and modem/LAN/GSM/ISDN combo cards, Portable Add-ons also offers a full range of handheld productivity tools, solutions, services and support.