BestCrypt Base 2.0 From Jetico to Encrypt USB Drives

Many recent HIPAA breaches highlight the growing need to encrypt USB drives and other removable storage devices.

Jetico, Inc. Oy announced a solution to stop this problem by releasing BestCrypt Base version 2.0. Disk encryption software allows transparent distribution of encryption policies for removable drives. Remote Key Storage in BestCrypt Base follows formal guidance from HHS1 while not disturbing the natural workflow and productivity of your staff.

Michael Waksman, CEO, Jetico, says: “Last year, one third of all data breaches were reported as due to loss or theft of unencrypted portable devices, like laptops and USB sticks. With the barrage of costly HIPAA fines in the news, more and more healthcare offices are seeking a solution to this problem. By definition, encryption is the answer – disguising sensitive data from unwanted eyes – yet encryption is too often perceived as complicated and expensive.“

According to Redspin Breach report, 35% of 2013 incidents were due to the loss or theft of an unencrypted laptop or other portable electronic device2.

Waksman continues: “Make encryption acceptable for laws and approachable for users – this is the core idea behind Jetico’s latest innovation, BestCrypt Base. In the initial release, we knocked down encryption barriers on desktop computers and laptops. Version 2 now extends this simplicity to protection of USB sticks and external HDDs.“

BestCrypt 2.0 empowers administrators to distribute encryption policies for removable storage devices.

Encrypted USB drives can be set according to user need:

• Office-based use only – Remote Key Storage complies with HHS recommendations, meaning encryption keys do not reside where patient data is stored; no passwords are needed and removable drives are automatically mounted and accessible once plugged in

• Permitted to be brought off network – Password protection allows use outside the office; users must enter a password when plugging in a removable drive

• Unencrypted removable drives will be optionally accessible for ‘read only’ or not accessible at all. Since data can be created, copied or modified only on encrypted removable storage, sensitive information cannot be taken outside the ‘Base’.

BestCrypt Base 2.0 offers following added features and benefits:

• Encryption policy distribution for removable drives – Users can now be forced to use only encrypted USB drives

• Automatic encryption of removable drives – Encryption can be invisible to users with no password required

• Protection against malware injection – Unencrypted removable drives can be blocked from all R/W access; unencrypted drives potentially containing malware cannot be read, preventing infection of the client computer

• Support for UEFI-based computers – disk encryption is compatible with the latest UEFI-based computers from all known major brands

• Enhanced reporting system – Administrators can gather complete, updated information on the status of each client computer, including key server settings

• Overall performance boost – 30% speed increase compared to version 1.0, from updated driver