PGP Whole Disk Encryption Approved for Use Within UK Ministry of Defence

PGP Corporation announced that PGP Whole Disk Encryption has been formally approved by the Defence INFOSEC Product Co-operation Group (DIPCOG) as suitable for use within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and British Armed Forces. This certification comes just months after PGP Corporation secured CESG Assisted Products Service (CAPS) baseline approval for use by the UK Government and signifies PGP Corporation’s ongoing commitment to providing high-grade encryption software.

The electronic data held by the MOD, British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force plays an increasingly critical role in the nation’s defences and military intelligence operations. Now DIPCOG approved, PGP Whole Disk Encryption provides these organisations with military class protection, ensuring that the critical information they hold on laptops and desktops remains secure even in the event of the device being lost or stolen.

PGP Corporation has been working closely with the DIPCOG to gain approval for the use of PGP software within the MOD and Armed Forces in the UK. DIPCOG is a MOD forum comprising representatives from the of MOD HQ security organisation, MOD Defence Equipment and Support, CESG the National Technical Authority for Information Assurance and ICS Catalogue suppliers. Its role is to approve, promote and manage the provision of security software and services through the MOD ICS Catalogue.

PGP Whole Disk Encryption provides comprehensive, full disk encryption, enabling quick, cost-effective protection for data on desktops and laptops. The encrypted data is transparently safeguarded from unauthorised access, providing strong security for critical data, intellectual property and personal information.

"We are delighted to have achieved approval from DIPCOG, certifying our products suitable for use within the MOD," said Phil Dunkelberger, president and CEO of PGP Corporation. "This is a significant step for PGP Corporation and marks our ongoing commitment to providing customers with robust security solutions that truly defend data against the threat of data loss."

The MOD stated: "The DIPCOG is pleased to be working again with PGP Corporation, in order to exploit its famous capabilities for information security, and is looking forward to reviewing further CAPS approved products for adoption by the MOD."

Government approvals and validations – such as DIPCOG, CAPS and FIPS 140-2 – provide global companies with a high level of assurance that the PGP products adhere to rigorous encryption and compliance standards with international security organisations. PGP Universal Server and PGP Universal Gateway Email completed the thorough Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level 2 (EAL2) certification; as well the managed version of PGP Whole Disk Encryption which is currently undergoing Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level 4+ (EAL4+) certification. Level 4 is the highest level possible that is mutually recognised by all countries participating in the Common Criteria certification; the plus denotes augmentation of ALC_FLR.1 Flaw Remediation. There are currently 25 countries involved in the Common Criteria Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CCRA), including the United States and Canadian governments, and the EU.

Availability
DIPCOG approved PGP Whole Disk Encryption is generally available today.