At the RSA Conference Goldkey Security Corporation announced the launch of Goldkey Secure Storage, a new security technology targeting cloud computing installations. The technology ought to provide enterprise-class encryption for user data stored in the cloud in special secure storage units called ‘Krypto Vaults’. Early evaluators consider the new solution to be more secure and much easier to set up and operate than competing technologies.
“One big problem with encryption in the enterprise has been the complexity it imposes on the user experience,” said Roger E. Billings, CEO, Goldkey. “The Goldkey Secure Storage system brings ease of use, manageability and accountability to multi-factor authentication and strong AES encryption – perfect for cloud and utility computing environments […].”
“Our clients are anxious to exploit the promise of cloud computing services,” said Daryl C. Plummer, Managing VP, Gartner. “The two pieces of the cloud puzzle that don’t quite fit together are storage and security. A practical system for securing cloud-based storage will be of great interest to IT managers everywhere.”
Goldkey Secure Storage ought to represent a new approach to the problem of security in cloud computing, incorporating multifactor authentication, symmetric encryption, multi-tier access for enterprise deployments, and a hardware-based key management system – all managed through a intuitive user interface.
The breakthrough feature of the technology is the patent pending Goldkey Hierarchical Security Protocol (HSP). HSP utilizes symmetrical key algorithms, making it fast and robust, and supports a key management system securely built into the hardware tokens.
Goldkey Secure Storage isolates data storage in secure containers called Krypto Vaults, where the data is stored in encrypted form, unreadable even by Goldkey. A Goldkey token, enabling on-the-fly encryption and decryption, ought to allow transparent, near-realtime access to all the user’s Krypto Vaults and files. When the Goldkey is removed from the machine, vault access ends. When another user inserts a Goldkey, a new list is displayed.
Master keys provide the function of managing group access to KryptoVaults, reviewing access logs, and when necessary, disabling user access privileges. Master keys can also unlock files encrypted by registered user tokens and enable the re-creation of individual Goldkeys thereby minimizing the risk of a lost Goldkey or forgotten PIN.
Goldkey Secure Storage is both Windows and Mac compliant. Users can purchase Goldkeys with Krypto Vaults bundled in the purchase price beginning at under $100; or KryptoVaults can be added or expanded online. For demanding security applications, special hardened Krypto Vault servers can be purchased from Goldkey and added to a user’s private network. These units ought to be tamper resistant and tamper evident. (Source: Goldkey Security Corporation/GST)