Symantec this week announced two new data encryption options, one that is file-based encryption for use with Dropbox, and the second that works as an extension to the Apple iOS mail client to encrypt and decrypt documents.
Symantec Mobile Encryption for iOS works with Apple tablets and smartphones, and will be available in January, according to Tim Matthews, senior director product marketing in the Symantec division, which continues to develop encryption products based on technology acquired in the PGP Corp. acquisition two years ago. The second product to be out is Symantec File Encryption for Dropbox, which lets companies ensure that any file saved and stored to the Dropbox cloud-based file storage service will be encrypted.
"The company sets the policy," said Matthews, noting there's a lot of concern in the corporate world about how the security of files left in cloud-based file sharing services such as Dropbox. The encryption for Dropbox files can also be used without setting a group policy as well. Symantec may also develop something similar for other cloud-based services, but the popularity of Dropbox prompted work on file encryption for this first. It's expected to cost $225 per user.
Ellen Messmer is senior editor at Network World, an IDG publication and website, where she covers news and technology trends related to information security. Twitter: @MessmerE. Email: emessmer@nww.com.
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