The firewall uses technology from Network Associates' Cybercop product, which has been around for a while and is considered trustworthy. It comes with sets of predefined rules to filter packets according to how you plan to use your computer. If you're using an Internet-connected machine without the benefit of a corporate firewall, this is probably good enough. You can also fine-tune the settings, with a wide variety of automatic alerts and actions. The system also provides an IPSEC VPN client, ICQ encryption, email plug-ins for all popular clients and automatic file wiping on delete -- removing all trace of data from your hard disk. The free version of this software doesn't have the firewall, self-decrypting files, virtual hard drive or technical support, and you're not supposed to use it commercially.
Disk encryption is very important on laptops, because they are carried around in public. Most computers that stay put in an office don't really need encryption as long as other data security systems are in place. That's a big 'if'. Disk encryption slows the systems down, increases the administration needed, and makes valuable company data subject to loss if the key gets lost or the computer malfunctions. You are likely to create more risk with it than without it.
This is not the easiest software to use, and if you're going to use it in anger, then practice first and keep your skills current. You could easily encrypt your data and then leave it for months to find you've forgotten your pass phrases or how to use the software altogether. There is a pass phrase recovery scheme that involves setting up five questions to which only you know the answer, but this erodes security.
As a general-purpose tool to prevent snoopers and network administrators from reading your private data, PGP Personal Security is a good all-round product that will do the job if used sensibly. It's secure, trusted and verifiable. However, it will only be effective if you understand what it's doing and make it part of an overall security scheme -- just installing and running it won't provide a miracle cure.
Pros:
Provides very powerful email security when used correctly.
Cons:
Cannot be used casually or irregularly; not the most user-friendly package.
Overall
PGP Personal Security will only be effective if you understand what it's doing and make it part of an overall security scheme -- just installing and running it won't provide a miracle cure.
PGP Personal Security
Company: Network Associates
Price: AU$95.00
Distributor: Network Associates/Harris Technology
Phone: 1800 644 646
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