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Sophos introduces always-on file encryption for shared data


Johannesburg, 25 Jul 2016

Sophos has announced Sophos SafeGuard Encryption 8, a new synchronised encryption solution that protects data against theft from malware, attackers or accidental leaks. Organisations can now choose to adopt the best practice of "always-on" file-level encryption to protect data accessed from mobile devices, laptops, desktops, on-premises networks and cloud-based file sharing applications.

"Sophos provides persistent, transparent and proactive encryption that protects files across Windows, Mac, iOS or Android platforms by default," says Brett Myroff, MD of Sophos distributor, Netxactics.

Until now, the management and adoption of encryption has been viewed as too complex and is not uniformly adopted. According to the Sophos survey: "The State of Encryption Today", only 29% of IT managers said they always encrypt smartphones, and only 43% of Macs, leaving high levels of exposure across an organisation.

"Full disk encryption alone only protects data in the event of the theft or loss of a laptop or mobile device. But data travels everywhere - it's vulnerable and extremely difficult to protect consistently when shared and opened from multiple devices and cloud-based collaboration applications," says Myroff.

"Sophos has completely re-imagined SafeGuard Encryption 8 to encrypt each individual file by default and continuously validate users, applications and devices for secure collaboration. It also provides password protected files, allowing users to share encrypted files with external recipients. When data security is simple and transparent, end-users are more likely to accept it, making your whole business more secure and more likely to stay compliant."

Data privacy legislation is being introduced all over the world, and organisations of every size should review their data protection measures before they face increased consequences. Every company that conducts business in countries that have data privacy laws must comply with those local regulations.

"Encryption is widely agreed to be the best security measure available. Sophos SafeGuard Encryption can be an easy-to-manage, best practice step for any global business that needs to protect sensitive and proprietary information or maintain compliance with legislation," Myroff adds.

As part of Sophos' synchronised security strategy, Sophos SafeGuard Encryption can respond automatically to threat incidents from connected endpoint protection. During an active infection, Sophos SafeGuard Encryption can temporarily revoke encryption keys to protect data, and users can automatically get those keys back after the incident is resolved. Sophos SafeGuard Encryption also synchronises keys with Sophos Mobile Control, which seamlessly secures file access rights on smartphones and tablets. Even encrypted documents can be accessed securely within the application's Secure Work Space feature.

"There are four key reasons businesses need to consider encryption. The first and most important is protection for sensitive data against hacking and data breaches. The second is unintended disclosure. People leave mobile phones and USB sticks in the back of taxis and accidentally e-mail documents to the wrong person all the time, exposing files and other private information. Thirdly, encryption helps companies comply with regulation such as the GDPR, mitigating potentially huge fines. Lastly, the migration to cloud-based services presents a security issue, and encryption can help companies protect data that may be vulnerable," says Duncan Brown, research director, European security practice, IDC.

"In order for encryption to be effective in these four scenarios, it has to be easy for an IT admin to manage, transparent to users and work with multiple platforms and file types. Sophos does all of this within SafeGuard Encryption, allowing companies to quickly adopt encryption as a necessary security measure."

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NetXactics

Established in 1998, NetXactics is a South African company that specialises in sales, marketing and distribution of IT and related products. Its approach is unique, focusing on long-term growth coupled with exceptional customer stability. NetXactics has attained a level 5 Generic BEE rating.

Editorial contacts

Adriaan du Plessis
Me Talk Pretty
(011) 782 1345
adpl@telkomsa.net