A new addition to your security repertoire
DeadMan's Handle is laptop utility software that represents a novel concept in information protection, and should be used as part of a coherent security strategy. It acts as an extra line of defence, raising the barrier to information loss due to theft or simple carelessness. It comes into action when all other precautions have failed, and assumes that the attacker has managed to get hold of your system and is in the process of penetrating the security.
This is by no means as unlikely as it sounds. Current estimates state that and average 3% of a company's laptops are lost or stolen each year. Thus a typical laptop has over a 10% chance of disappearing during its working life. The need for utility software such as DeadMan's handle is clear.
Operational benefits
DeadMan's Handle specifically protects designated information via secure file deletion: it deletes only what it is instructed to delete, and nothing else. This allows it to work quickly and undetected. This means that:
- The deletion will almost certainly be successful.
- Your business' information will be protected, and with the backup system it is also recoverable.
- Your personal obligations to keep information safe will be honoured.
- It might save your job!
Strategic benefits
Strategically, the benefits of DMH can be greater. Firstly, the product could directly save your company loss of information. At a corporate level, this can mean:
- Protection of the organization's reputation, which can be one of its most valuable assets.
- Stopping exposure due to loss of strategic information (such as the five year plans).
- Saving the business from losses by compromises of its developments and technology.
Secondly, even without carrying out a single deletion DeadMan's Handle can contribute to your business. The deployment of DeadMan's Handle affirms your commitment to security: it shows evidence of good corporate governance. This commitment can reinforce your business' reputation in the eyes of customers, suppliers and Governmental authorities.
Lastly, DeadMan's Handle can help demonstrate your businesses' determination to meet Governmental regulations and contractual commitments. In these times, obligations to Data Protection are taken very seriously, and many contracts now insist on confidentiality agreements. Implementation of DeadMan's Handle as part of an overall corporate strategy will support your position in any security audits that may be carried out.
Conclusions
DeadMan's Handle contributes to the modern corporation in two basic ways: (1) it protects your information; and (2) it supports the businesses via reputation and credibility enhancement. Given that it is economical to deploy, huge benefits can be accrued with very little outlay.
DeadMan's Handle Ltd also provides many services and laptop security suggestions to support the software. These are described in other parts of the site.
