Ian Melamed Secure Computing has been appointed as a value-added reseller (VAR) for the recently announced TimeLoc PC security product from Pretoria-based Mustek affiliate Diamond Network Technology.
TimeLoc is a combined hardware/software solution that prevents computer information theft. It is made up of software burnt into flash memory on a network interface card (NIC), and outside of certain, designated hours the machine is rendered unusable as the PC`s hard drive shuts down completely. It can only be accessed through the application of the right password.
"The actual hardware represents only 10% of the value of a computer," says Ian Melamed, MD of Ian Melamed Secure Computing, "with the data representing the other 90%. In some cases, the data is truly priceless, and if your PC is stolen, there is no way to assess the scale of the loss.
"We know of hundreds of PCs being stolen each week in Johannesburg alone. We know crime syndicates are at work. In addition, information is a sellable commodity and industrial sabotage is a reality. So, if a PC is stolen, at least you have the reassurance that the data is inaccessible."
Melamed recommends the use of TimeLoc in conjunction with a concerted, diligent backup regimen. "If your data is regularly backed up and available in the case of theft, and the data on your stolen machine is inaccessible, then you really have lost nothing but the hardware, and that should be covered by insurance." In addition, says Melamed, office snoops are prevented from digging in their colleagues` PCs after hours by virtue of the fact that the local hard drive is not accessible.
"Today`s hard drives permit the tightest level of security possible," says Melamed. "With the right instructions, the hard drive can be locked at hardware level, so securely as to deny acess to anyone. This on its own should act as a deterrent to thieves."
Melamed says TimeLoc is available immediately at R320 per NIC, with volume purchases qualifying for a discount.
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