After an extensive evaluation, K-State’s Security Incident Response Team (SIRT) has selected PGP Whole Disk Encryption (PGP WDE) as the recommended product for protecting data on laptops. Given the propensity for laptops to get stolen (another faculty laptop was stolen out of a K-State lab this week), whole disk encryption is a critical tool for protecting data stored on laptops. Also, a draft data classification policy being reviewed by IRMC this fall will require whole disk encryption on K-State laptops that store confidential data.
Given the risk combined with the low price and ease of use of PGP whole-disk encryption, the barrier to widespread adoption has been removed. The price per license is $38 (a steep discount) and includes the client and management server licenses plus two years of maintenance and support.
Computing and Telecommunications Services (CTS) will make the initial purchase of 500 licenses (the quantity needed to get the discount) and re-sell licenses to the campus at cost (i.e., each will be $38). Commitments are needed from the campus community on the number of licenses university departments and affiliates will purchase this fiscal year. If we get commitments for more than 500 licenses, we can buy more in this initial purchase. There’s no guarantee this excellent price will be set for later purchases, so departments should buy now.
PGP WDE is available for both Windows and Macs. The primary goal is encrypting laptops to protect sensitive information. However, this product also works on most desktop workstations, so consider buying licenses for workstations that store confidential data.
Campus departments interested in purchasing licenses need to send Harvard Townsend (harv@k-state.edu) their commitments via e-mail by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, with:
- Total count of licenses to be purchased
- Number of Windows licenses vs. Mac licenses
- Contact information for your purchase (name, e-mail, phone, dept/unit)
The software is only available to university departments and affiliates. It cannot be sold to individuals for personal use.
Central IT services will set up a management environment people can use, or individual departments/colleges can set up their own management environment, similar to how the Trend Micro antivirus software is managed on campus. Installation assistance will be provided for those using the centrally managed service.
Watch future InfoTech Tuesday articles for more information. Also, SIRT is sponsoring a monthly IT security roundtable on the PGP WDE product and laptop encryption 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in Union 213.
If you have any questions, contact Harvard Townsend (785-532-2985, harv@k-state.edu) or your SIRT representative.
