Safend Data Protection Suite

The Safend Data Protection Suite is an encryption (and endpoint protection) software solution that consists of a centralized management console, which runs on IIS and .NET, a Microsoft SQL Server backend, and client software components. The software does not provide whole disk encryption (pre-boot authentication for the whole disk), but focuses more on protecting confidential data by encrypting everything that is not a system or program file. $0$0The management console was installed on our Windows Server 2003 platform and was one of the most straightforward products to install and configure. The initial installation allows the administrator to start importing objects from Active Directory (or Novell's eDirectory), including users, groups and computers. Safend also includes messages at various times during setup to help guide and remind users that certain activities are important. This was a very nice touch during our configuration. $0$0Policies are very easy to create, and several default compliance-based policies (HIPAA, SOX, etc.) are included out-of-the-box. Granular whitelists or blacklists can be created, allowing an organization to block or allow wireless access points, USB ports, optical drives and access to specific file types. Policy is then pushed to clients with the click of a button, or is sent automatically every 90 minutes. Furthermore, the console offers in-depth reporting and logging capabilities. The information included in the reports and logs are very detailed and will satisfy even the most demanding reporting requirements. All in all, the product has an excellent set of centrally managed features. $0$0The PDF documentation was impressive. The screen shots are detailed, and important notes about setup and administrative tasks are highlighted. $0$0Basic no-cost eight hours a day/five days a week phone and email support is available for the first year. Additional support tiers are available. Although the tool does not provide whole disk encryption, for organizations looking to centrally manage the encryption of certain folders and confidential data the price point makes it an excellent choice.