Steganos Security Suite 2006: High-Security Data Protection on the Cheap Shredding and More Wayne Kawamoto
Shredding and More
To protect important data that you want to toss, Steganos Shredder offers a deep cleaning function that prevents technicians from resurrecting discarded
files. The program consists of two components: File Shredder, which destroys files and folders, and Free Space Shredder, which destroys the remains of
previously deleted files.
The program lets you select between three shredding procedures: 1) Simple overwrite; 2) DoD 5220.22-M/NISPOM 8-306, used by the US Department of
Defense; or 3) The Gutmann method, which overwrites data some 35 times in accordance with a specific procedure. In use, the Gutmann method is thorough but quite time consuming.
Another powerful feature destroys "traces" — Web information such as cookies, your browser history, Media Player music lists, search requests,
temporary files, and more. The program destroys some 200 types of traces, up from the 150 in the prior version.
The Password Manager encrypts all passwords and stores them in an encrypted list that you can conveniently access with a single password. If you like, the program can automatically enter passwords into forms and programs for you. And when your creativity runs low, the password generator can create passwords for you. You simply designate the number of characters and the Password Mananger creates a password of random values and saves it.
To protect e-mail, there's e-mail encryption and de-encryption that can foil "sniffers" that try to intercept data. With just a few clicks you can create self-decrypting e-mails, which also scramble attachments. Beyond a password, a recipient does not need a copy of Steganos or any other program to access the message.
The suite is simple to download and install, and offers good help files that explain the suite's many features. Steganos Security Suite is also intuitive and easy to use, offering clear menus for setting up options. However, a step-by-step wizard would help explain the suite's many options while walking novices through the configuration process.
The Bottom Line
Any company or individual with intellectual property to protect will do well to consider Steganos Security Suite 2006. And with the addition of 256-bit
AES encryption, AntiSpyware, and AntiTheft, the 2006 version is definitely worth the upgrade to those who currently use Security Suite 7 or an older Steganos release.
Steganos Security Suite 2006 can be downloaded as a 30-day trial release or purchased directly from Steganos for $69.95. An upgrade license from Steganos Security Suite 7 to Steganos 2006 costs $39.95. The company also offers free software updates within a generation and spyware database updates for one year.
Pros: Thorough security program that encrypts and protects data; strong e-mail and file shredding capabilities; high security 256-bit AES encryption; unique encrypt, compress, and hide capabilities for sensitive data; inexpensive relative to the competition
Cons: Program could use a wizard to better explain options to novices and help them configure the software; requires large files for storing your encrypted data
