PGP Deskop Storage: FAQ

General

• What is PGP Desktop Storage and why is it important?
• What business problem does PGP Desktop Storage solve?
• What are the key benefits of PGP Desktop Storage?
• How does PGP Desktop Storage work?
• What is the end-user experience?
• What's new in PGP Desktop Storage 9.8?
• What languages (localization) does PGP Desktop Storage support?
• Is the source code available for download?
• How does PGP Desktop Storage fit into the PGP Encryption Platform architecture?

For additional FAQ related to PGP Desktop Storage's package functionality, see:

• For network file encryption: PGP NetShare FAQ
• For full disk encryption: PGP Whole Disk Encryption FAQ

What is PGP Desktop Storage and why is it important?
PGP Desktop Storage combines the network storage encryption of PGP NetShare with the transparent full disk encryption of PGP Whole Disk Encryption, securing the entire contents of a disk, including system and temporary files. PGP Desktop Storage provides secure, shared file encryption without requiring changes to end-user applications, processes, and workflow or to an organization's storage infrastructure. IT backup and archiving applications remain as-is. PGP Desktop Storage enables complete role separation between those authorized to create, change, and view content and systems administration personnel. PGP Desktop Storage's whole disk encryption capability provides worry-free protection against unauthorized access of private and confidential data.

What business problem does PGP Desktop Storage solve?
Network file servers can contain the most sensitive customer, patient, financial, or intellect property data. Likewise, data stored on systems or removable media can be easily exposed due to system loss or theft. PGP Desktop Storage allows organizations to meet audit and compliance requirements while securing sensitive data stored on file servers, desktop and laptop systems, and removable media.

What are the key benefits of PGP Desktop Storage?
PGP Desktop Storage provides the following benefits:

• Enforces data security policies – Used in combination with PGP Universal Server, PGP Desktop Storage automatically secures protected directories based on policy while locking down the entire contents of a system drive. 
• Reduces operational costs, accelerates deployment – By operating in the background, PGP Desktop Storage can be quickly deployed without the need for special user training or increased help desk calls. As a PGP Encryption Platform–enabled application, PGP Desktop Storage can share policies across groups and quickly tailor them, allowing administrators to deploy PGP Desktop Storage and focus on other projects.

How does PGP Desktop Storage work?
Using PGP NetShare technology, PGP Desktop Storage operates as a Windows File Filter, enabling transparent encryption and decryption of files, including those stored over the network. PGP NetShare uses public key cryptography to protect folders and files, allowing access only to specific authorized users. The PGP Whole Disk Encryption engine operates at a system level between the operating system and the disk drive, providing user-transparent, sector-by-sector disk encryption and decryption. A successful pre-boot authentication unlocks the decryption key, enabling users to work without any additional changes to their experience. When centrally managed, PGP Desktop Storage's key management, policy, and software updates are managed by PGP Universal Server.

What is the end-user experience?
For end users, PGP Desktop Storage operates in the background, securing protected directories (local or networked) and the entire contents of disk drives. If allowed by policy (or if not managed by PGP Universal Server), encryption policies and change configuration can be made through the PGP Desktop Storage application interface. When encryption operations are performed, PGP Desktop Storage’s notifier window alerts users that an encryption operation is being performed and its status.

What's new in PGP Desktop Storage 9.8?

• Expanded client controls – Enable the organization to better meet security requirements by locking down which features are enabled, visible to the user, and enforced.*
• Centrally defined folder protection – Defines policy to protect files stored in specific directories, enforcing security without impacting user behavior.*
• Enhanced logging – Tracks the protection applied by PGP NetShare to folders within the organization to assist in satisfying management and auditor requirements.*
• Enhanced status reporting – Enables inspection and reporting on the state of disk encryption in the organization to satisfy regulatory requirements and help prevent a data breach.*
• Increased authentication options – Perform pre-boot and two-factor authentication using smart cards such as the RSA SID800.
• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) support – Protects encryption keys against unauthorized access.
• Rapid deployment process – Speeds deployment by automating the installation and configuration process.

What languages (localization) does PGP Desktop Storage support?
The PGP Desktop Storage user interface is localized in English, German, and Japanese.

Is the source code available for download?
Yes. To validate the integrity of its products, PGP Corporation releases all product source code, including PGP Desktop Storage's, for peer review. For more information, see PGP Source Code.