Last time, I reviewed the issues associated with the use of disk image backups in a PGP® Whole Disk Encryption environment – or with any full disk encryption system for that matter, including hardware (or self-) encrypting drives. I closed by saying the following:
What's needed is an imaging solution that operates from within Windows (to provide all of the automation, UI, and ease of use that users expect), lets users enjoy all the benefits of modern disk image backups, and yet operates seamlessly with PGP Whole Disk Encryption to offer fully encrypted backups and restores.
Now I'm pleased to introduce a solution that satisfies that exact set of requirements.
Future Systems Solutions, Inc. has announced the beta testing of Casper Secure for PGP Whole Disk Encryption, the first backup and recovery solution designed specifically for users of PGP's Whole Disk Encryption product. Casper Secure for PGP Whole Disk Encryption offers these unique advantages:
• Fast, completely encrypted system backups: Casper Secure for PGP Whole Disk Encryption creates a completely encrypted copy of a PGP WDE-encrypted Windows system drive. Unlike traditional backup and disk imaging solutions which can produce only an unencrypted backup of a PGP whole-disk-encrypted PC, Casper Secure for PGP Whole Disk Encryption creates a backup which actually retains all of the encrypted data in its original encrypted state.
In addition, Casper's exclusive SmartClone™ technology enables Casper Secure for PGP Whole Disk Encryption to maintain a complete backup in the same amount of time required by most traditional backup programs to perform a partial or incremental unencrypted backup of an encrypted disk.
• Rapid Recovery: In the event of a hard disk failure, a backup created by Casper Secure for PGP Whole Disk Encryption can be used as an immediate and permanent replacement for the failed hard disk. No special rescue disks or arduous data restoration processes are required to facilitate recovery, and most importantly, no lengthy re-encryption process is required.
• Convenience: Casper Secure for PGP enables complete system backups to be performed at any time without leaving Windows, so there is never a need to restart the computer or stop work to create a backup. Integrated scheduling permits the backup to be performed completely unattended in the background. Exclusive 1-Click Cloning makes even on-demand backups a snap. Plus, the backup is instantly bootable. You can be up and running again in seconds.
The beta program is now underway. If you believe you would benefit from this new technology and would like to participate in the beta testing of Casper Secure for PGP Whole Disk Encryption, please take a moment to register online at http://pgpbeta.fssdev.com/apply.
Future Systems Solutions and PGP are proud of the hard work and collaboration that went into the development of Casper Secure for PGP Whole Disk Encryption. However, Future Systems Solutions really deserves credit for being proactive in their approach and for taking on the incremental development necessary for the solution.
Casper Secure for PGP Whole Disk Encryption solves a very real need (encrypted backups of an encrypted drive) with a solution that works exactly the way users expect. Whether you're a current user of PGP Whole Disk Encryption or plan to become one in the future, check out the beta and leave feedback either in the comments below or in the PGP support forum.