Nero to Update Optical Storage Media Security Technology

Nero AG announced plans to update its SecurDisc data protection technology in April 2010. SecurDisc 2.0 extends the lifespan of burned content on CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs by increasing the chances of retrieving data from damaged discs, regardless of scratches, age or deterioration, protecting data from unintended alteration and access, and enabling the verification of the originator of the data using digital signatures.

The average life expectancy of an optical disc is between two and five years; yet, unforeseen events can decrease the lifespan even more. According to a survey of 1,000 American households commissioned by the National Consumers League, respondents re-purchased an average of two commercial DVDs because the disc was lost or damaged. This number is significantly higher among households with children. The number of defective DVDs is likely even higher with non-commercial DVDs burnt at home. Recognizing the need to improve disc longevity so that consumers can enjoy content they’ve created or access important data, Nero developed and integrated SecurDisc technology into its products in order to meet the consumer demand.

SecurDisc 2.0 is the new industry standard for optical drive security and data reliability. It will now provide a full feature set of data security-related functions, regardless of the optical recording hardware and media being used – including Blu-ray Discs. This simple to use solution increases the chances of retrieving files if an optical disc is damaged or scratched, ensures the security of important files by guaranteeing that data cannot be altered accidently or maliciously through password protection and encryption, and lets people verify the authenticity of files with the originator’s digital signatures.

"Data stored on CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs is even more vulnerable to theft, loss, damage, unauthorized access and copying than information stored on a hard drive," said Kris Barton, EVP of Global Products, Nero AG. "SecurDisc 2.0 provides customers with multiple levels of data protection and accessibility using both storage-level and user-level security. Most importantly, this technology will be available to anyone with an optical burning drive."

SecurDisc combines higher data reliability through data storage redundancy and defect management with encryption, password protection and digital signatures to safeguard the most valuable and confidential data stored on optical storage media, expanding the longevity of the optical disc. Once a disc is created using SecurDisc 2.0, the password protected data can be viewed using the new SecurDisc Viewer app embedded on the media. All a user needs to do is insert the optical disc in a drive and it will automatically run without the need to install any additional software. When the correct password is entered, the data will be automatically decrypted and accessible to the recipient of the disc.

SecurDisc 2.0 will be included in future Nero software products.