PGP Desktop Security debuts with the 7.0 edition of PGP. Among the many new features in PGP Desktop Security are integration with ICQ (99 and 2000 versions) for securely sharing instant messages; an automatic configuration update feature that utilizes a LDAP-based policy distribution system; enhanced enterprise manageability via the PGP admin's new configuration "lock down" capabilities; an improved, space-saving installation utility; automatic X.509 certificate retrieval and certificate lookup from LDAP directories; SMTP-based alerts for cyber attacks; and intruder tracing capabilities.
One of PGP Desktop Security's most impressive additions is its enterprise-class Personal Firewall and Intrusion Detection System (IDS), which creates a dual-layer security perimeter around the PC. The first line of defense is the Personal IDS technology, based on Network Associates' CyberCob protection solution, which provides protection from common network and Internet attacks such as SYN floods, Ping floods, Smurf, Bonk, Ping of Death, and Back Orifice. The second line of defense utilizes flexible packet filtering Personal Firewall technology. Administrators can choose from six pre-defined levels of firewall protection, each with its own associated list of packet filtering rules.
The list of new features continues with Twofish technology (a 256-bit cipher) for encrypting messages and files; Lotus Notes 5 client support; rich text support via an Outlook plug-in; automatic wipe upon file deletion options; "single sign on" Windows logon integration for Windows NT and Windows 2000 via the new GINA plug-in; peer-to-peer Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities for scalable, enterprise-wide network encryption; simultaneous protection of multiple network adapters; and optimized VPN connection performance via the new MTU path discovery capability.
