PC security is a significant challenge, particularly in environments like Turbo’s, where highly secure PCs and laptops are necessary but can also be prone to being lost. Turbo has been advocating for hardware encryption as an excellent way to maintain the integrity of transient data on the machines. Software encryption, despite its benefits, often leaves lingering doubts.
Recently, Turbo came across a product called GuardDisk from Thales eSecurity, which is a UK government-approved solution. GuardDisk is a modified disk equipped with an RFID token. The process is simple: during the boot-up of the laptop, Turbo places the token near it. The disk drive reads the ID and the DEK from the token, enabling block encryption and decryption on the fly. The best part is that it remains transparent to the machine, allowing any operating system to run without restrictions.
While the Thales solution is effective, it comes with a relatively high price tag, making it less accessible for everyone. However, there’s hope on the horizon as similar technology might soon become available to home users at no extra cost. ABIT, a motherboard manufacturer, is reportedly working on implementing hardware-based IDE disk encryption technology into their standard motherboards.
This move by ABIT is both smart and interesting, showcasing how manufacturers can innovate to enhance PC security. If more companies follow suit, it could significantly improve data protection for users across the board.