Re: Laptop encryption

[Gary Flynn <flynngn () JMU EDU>]

David Seidl wrote:
> Seagate did a lunch and learn on these at the SANS Network Security
> conference - I'd like to get a chance to look at one myself. Here's what
> I have in my notes from their presentation:
>
> There are a few caveats right now:
>
> 1) The drives are 5400 RPM older generation drives only - they noted
> that they were adding encryption to existing platforms rather than
> cutting edge devices - thus the lower rotational speed and the 1.5 Gbps
> SATA rather than 3.0 Gbps SATA interface.

I wonder how much of a difference this makes for typical
laptop use.

> 2) They are not FIPS certified (as a device)


> 3) Only 2.5" drives are currently available, so this isn't a viable
> desktop solution yet.

This will apparantly change soon:
"The first 1TB desktop PC hard drive with hardware based
 full-disc encryption (FDE)"
http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=seagate-extends-the-industrys-broadest-line-of-storage-solutions&vgnextoid=96b10fe4e2a94110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD



Another caveat on this type of protection is that the computer must
be fully shut down to be fully protected. A hibernating computer is
not as well protected. I think a lot of solutions have this caveat
though.


> There are currently two third parties who provide management interfaces
> for the drive encryption. If you scale to any great degree, you'll want
> to purchase the management software in addition to the drives. Seagate
> claimed that the cost with management software was still lower than full
> drive encryption and management software that is currently available.

I'd check those price claims. ;)

Dell is shipping the Wave Technologies standalone management product on
laptops with the drive that provides for setup and administration of the
TPM and drive. Wave also offers an enterprise management product. We've
got a laptop on order to see what capabilities there are with the
standalone Wave product and what potential there is for management
through the WMI interface to the TPM.

I believe Hitachi and possibly Fujitsu also offer encrypted drives.






--
Gary Flynn
Security Engineer
James Madison University
www.jmu.edu/computing/security