Symantec Endpoint Protection 11.0

Symantec Endpoint Protection combines Symantec antivirus with advanced threat prevention to defend the user's data against malware such as viruses, worms, spyware, trojans, zero-day threats and rootkits. The unified product aims to increase protection for laptops, desktops and servers and includes TruScan proactive threat scan technology, which automatically analyses application behaviours and network communications to detect and actively block threats. This multilayered approach is designed to increase confidence that organisation's assets are protected. The new application control feature allows users to specify access to processes, files, folders and registry access, while device control can be used to select which peripherals can be connected to a machine and how these are accessed. Symantec Endpoint Protection is a single agent administered via one management console. The vendor claims this provides operational efficiencies such as one-click software updates and policy updates, unified and central reporting and a single licensing and maintenance program.

Distributed by Ingram Micro and Express Data.

RRP $84.76 per user for 5-24 users

SafeNet ProtectPack

SafeNet ProtectPack enables secure, encrypted transfer and storage of confidential data files on unprotected mediums (both portable and network) that are difficult to defend by conventional network security mechanisms. It uses 256-bit encryption and offers the option of 10-70 character pass phrase to protect files against unauthorised access. The .pac file, developed by SafeNet Borderless Security, can also compress data before encryption to enable maximum storage and data transfer efficiency. The software secures sensitive data being transferred via email and stored on portable media - such as USB sticks, CDs and, DVDs - and has been designed to be easy to use with minimal user training. The self-extraction option attaches a compressed launch program, requiring the recipient to only enter the pass phrase to unpack the file to an unencrypted format. ProtectPack enables secure data exchange with any partner and seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Windows environments.

Distributed by SafeNet Australia.

RRP $186.30 for ProtectDrive and ProtectFile

Kingston DataTraveler Locker

The DataTraveler Locker is a USB flash drive that provides users with a convenient and secure way to store and backup digital data, Kingston claims. The device allows users to create a privacy zone partition that protects data with 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardware-based encryption. This is achieved through a dedicated co-processor that encrypts data "on the fly". The privacy partition is accessed via password entry. Brute force attacks are discouraged while the drive locks down and reformats after 10 failed attempts. The DataTraveler Locker has a rugged design with a metal casing that surrounds and protects a rubberised chassis. This swivels open to reveal the USB connector. The Locker is available in a 2GB model and supports Windows XP, 2000, Vista, Mac OS 10.3 and above and Linux Kernel 2.6 and above. It comes with a five-year warranty and free technical support.

Distributed by Avnet, Ingram Micro, Simms International and Synnex.

RRP $59