PKWare Offers Free Security Tool

MILWAUKEE -- PKWARE, the leading provider of enterprise solutions for secure and efficient data transfer and storage, today announced that in celebration of the company's 20th anniversary, they are making SecureZIP® Standard Version 11, its widely used desktop data security software, available at no charge. For a limited time, individual users can visit www.securezip.com and receive a free download of the upgraded release of the software, empowering them to protect information stored on hard-drives, laptops, portable devices and sent through email against theft and unauthorized access. Built on the .ZIP standard originally developed and patented by PKWARE, SecureZIP’s easy-to-use interface provides the familiarity of a ZIP solution to help ease the process of integrating security into everyday computing tasks.

Recent security breaches that exposed personal information have shined a spotlight on the risks involved with sending confidential information out into cyberspace. Enterprises have rapidly adopted technologies to protect their networks -- and their brand reputation -- from fraudulent access and misuse of personally identifiable information. However, despite efforts by public officials to enact legislation such as the Personal Data Privacy and Security Act, to both deter criminals and promote the data security crisis, there remains a large gap in protections available to individual internet users.

Building on fundamental attributes of ZIP, such as simplicity and platform interoperability, SecureZIP Standard will allow people to secure personally, financially or medically sensitive files saved on their desktop. Additionally, with its seamless integration with email applications, such as Microsoft Outlook, SecureZIP users have a persistently secure email system that ensures that both the email message body and attachments are encrypted and digitally signed.

“With the network perimeter virtually non-existent, and the line between professional and personal use of corporate devices increasingly blurred, the market is ripe for solutions that make it easy for users to integrate data security best practices into their daily lives,” said Charles Kolodgy, research director, security products at IDC. “The security industry has long struggled to find the balance between usability and security. Any tool that leverages a process, such as zipping, that users are already familiar with, to secure sensitive information, is a great step in the right direction.”

PKWare Inc.