{"id":26528,"date":"2011-07-26T03:24:49","date_gmt":"2011-07-26T02:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=26528"},"modified":"2011-07-26T13:33:10","modified_gmt":"2011-07-26T12:33:10","slug":"itwin-makes-security-top-priority-with-mobile-file-transfers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/itwin-makes-security-top-priority-with-mobile-file-transfers\/","title":{"rendered":"iTwin Makes Security Top Priority with Mobile File Transfers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Update on Mobile File Transfers — Make Security Your Top Priority <\/strong><\/p>\n

Advancements in mobile computing and lower hardware costs have literally moved people out of their offices and into airports, remote offices, customer facilities, conference rooms, libraries and home offices. \u00a0Because of the migration, people work differently than they did years ago and require increased data mobility. Today, users are more likely to have access to a variety of computers; and, like their mobile phones, they want to take their data with them wherever they go.<\/p>\n

The Internet has been pivotal in the growth of solutions that enable mobile users to transfer and share any type of digital data.\u00a0 Many inexpensive file transfer solutions (some are even free) have given users the freedom of having access to their data without having to carry their laptop with them.\u00a0 Email, FTP sites, CDs\/DVDs, USB drives and cloud-storage services can all be used to transfer and share files. \u00a0However, as we hear almost daily, they all have security, privacy and other issues that need to be considered.<\/p>\n

Their limitations have underscored the compelling need for a better, cost-effective solution that doesn\u2019t trade-off data security for simplicity of access, doesn\u2019t limit the capacity of file transfers and doesn\u2019t have hidden, long-term fees.<\/p>\n

Sending an email with a file attachment is easy enough; however, as file attachment sizes and data leaks increase, users are facing capacity and security problems.\u00a0 Email messages are generally not encrypted and because they pass through intermediate computers before reaching their destination, it\u2019s fairly easy for others to intercept and read messages. \u00a0In addition, you often have to deal with synch\/version issues when sending multiple versions of an attached file.<\/p>\n

Both anonymous and authenticated FTP file transfers have security issues because all information (name, password and file content) is transmitted in plain text\u2014making it an easy target for hackers.<\/p>\n

Using 700MB CDs or even 4.7GB DVDs for file transfer can be time-consuming and capacity is limited to the disc size.\u00a0 They can also be damaged, are easily lost and can also cause syncing challenges.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s ultra-small USB drives are often lost, can be damaged and may not have the capacity needed to store and transfer large files. \u00a0Plus, they are attack-vectors for malicious software.<\/p>\n

Cloud Storage, the current darling of the IT industry, is not suited for small businesses and consumers, due to its inherent cost-structure.\u00a0 Move more than a few Gigabytes of data to the cloud and you\u2019ll incur fees.\u00a0 Other limitations range from capacity limits, slow uploads and exposure to the security and privacy issues that have recently been reported in the press. \u00a0The security and privacy issues of Cloud Storage also make it a time-bomb for enterprises, even if the cost may not be a constraint.<\/p>\n

In a recent InformationWeek <\/em>Analytics survey, business technology decision-makers gave security concerns as the top reason companies steer clear of public cloud storage. \u00a0Privacy concerns ranked second.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Data security and the impact it has on individuals and businesses has become a serious problem. \u00a0If sensitive data falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to fraud, identity theft or similar disasters.\u00a0 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) <\/em>estimates that as many as 10 million Americans have their identities stolen each year and offers this advice.<\/em> <\/em>\u00a0\u201cGiven the cost of a security breach\u2014losing your customers\u2019 trust and perhaps even defending yourself against a lawsuit\u2014safeguarding personal information is just plain good business.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Symantec<\/a>\u2019s 2010 Small- and Mid-sized Businesses (SMB) Information Protection Survey, companies reported that the average annual cost of cyber attacks was $188,242. Of the 73 percent that experienced cyber attacks in 2010, 100 percent experienced direct costs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Source:\u00a0 Symantec 2010 (SMB) Information Protection Survey<\/p>\n

Symantec also found that lost mobile devices are a major problem for SMBs. Most (62 percent) lost at least one mobile device in the past 12 months (a laptop, PDA, smart phone, etc.) and all of the companies surveyed had at least some devices that, if lost, have no password protection and cannot be remotely wiped of data.<\/p>\n

With the exponential growth in the number of mobile users, the importance of ensuring privacy while keeping data protected from corruption and unauthorized access is also growing. \u00a0According to IDC\u2019s Worldwide Mobile Worker Population 2009-2013 Forecast<\/em>, the U.S. mobile worker population will grow from 108.9 million in 2008 to 119.7 million (about three-quarters of the U.S. workforce) in 2013.<\/p>\n

The daily, horror stories highlighting security breaches have certainly made us more aware of how vulnerable we are and why security should not be an afterthought.<\/p>\n

Sony recently reported that 100 million user files were compromised, SEGA \u2013 1.5 million, Citibank \u2013 6 million, Bank of America \u2013 4 million, Morgan Stanley \u2013 34 million and Dropbox \u2013 8 million. \u00a0\u00a0And last month, even the \u00a0Pentagon<\/a> revealed that 24,000 files were stolen from a defense industry computer network during a single intrusion in March?one of its largest-ever losses of sensitive defense data due to a cyber attack.<\/p>\n

These were only the recent cloud\/organizational database penetrations and thefts that were publicly<\/em> announced.\u00a0\u00a0 Security experts estimate that less than 30 percent of the hactivision, cybercrime is reported and in many instances aren\u2019t even discovered.<\/p>\n

If organizations as large as these can\u2019t keep their data secure, what can small- to medium-sized businesses and individuals do?<\/p>\n

It turns out, they can do a lot, for surprisingly little cost.<\/p>\n

A breakthrough in file transfer technology is now available globally that not only simplifies accessing, transferring, editing and sharing files, but it also takes the guesswork out of protecting your privacy and ensuring data security. \u00a0There\u2019s nothing to learn, nothing to configure, no space limitations and no annual fees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Featuring patent-pending technology, iTwin is a plug-and-play USB device that has two identical halves for connecting any two online computers and is the first of its kind on the market. \u00a0With the iTwin device you have secure, bi-directional access that enables you to copy, back-up or remotely edit any and all files.\u00a0\u00a0 The only storage limit is the capacity of your computer and the hard drives connected to it.<\/p>\n

Privacy and Security<\/strong><\/p>\n

The privacy and security features are largely what differentiate the iTwin device from other remote file access and sharing options. The software creates a simple folder where you can drag and drop the files you want to share, your entire hard drive and even attached storage.\u00a0 No other files will be accessible.<\/p>\n

iTwin uses two-factor authentication \u2013 the hardware token and optional password \u2013 for maximum security. \u00a0The two halves generate a random encryption key known only to them and use it for protecting all data access. \u00a0iTwin is the only industry solution with end-to-end encryption.<\/p>\n

iTwin uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption, which has never been broken, and also provides a proprietary remote disable feature to protect all data in case the device is lost. \u00a0In addition, when the iTwin is unplugged, all temp files are purged automatically\u2014a key feature when using public computers. For added privacy, nothing is ever stored on someone else\u2019s server.\u00a0 Everything remains on your own hard drive and is encrypted in transit.<\/p>\n

The features that make this innovative solution both simple and secure also make it a compelling solution for on-the-go business users who use multiple computers and need secure access to large office files while they work at home or remote offices. \u00a0Consumers can use it to safely access sensitive information from anywhere, including their pin numbers, emergency, medical and contact information.\u00a0 They can use iTwin between both Windows- and Mac-based computers. \u00a0It\u2019s also ideal for people who want to share data files, music, photos or videos; and students who want to transport research and project files between school and home.<\/p>\n

Small business owners are enthusiastic about this new way to transfer files because they don\u2019t have to invest in a VPN and the IT people to support it.\u00a0 Others are adopting the technology because they can’t risk hosting files in the cloud for security reasons and for contractual obligations to protect company and client confidential information.<\/p>\n

Non-technical consumers who have been intimidated by other file sharing solutions are finding that iTwin is also the best way to create a simple and secure family network.\u00a0 By giving a friend or family member one-half of an iTwin, they can provide them with secure, hassle-free access to photos and home videos of special occasions, their travels or other private documents.<\/p>\n

Check it out at www.itwin.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Security is important to us and we are always on the lookout for new hardware to review at ABT for our readers.\u00a0 We may have a sample soon for evaluation.\u00a0 Stay tuned, as always.<\/p>\n

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