Cyber-Ark bolsters its data protection tool

DEDHAM, MASS. - Cyber-Ark has expanded its secure data storage package to help users more easily exchange encrypted data between their customers and business partners across the Internet.

Inter-Business Vault is Windows-based server software that automatically encrypts all stored files. It is usually placed between firewalls at the access point to the Internet so that encrypted files can be accessed via a custom-built Windows or Web client. The software is touted as an alternative to VPNs, promising better performance and easier administration.

In the second version, Cyber-Ark offers the option of having a business partner install internal-LAN gateway software as an alternative to using the Vault desktop client software. The gateways, sold separately for either HTTP, FTP or Microsoft's Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol, allow for faster file transfer than existing client software does by using server-to-server data compression and caching.

To continue reading, register here and become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

DEDHAM, MASS. - Cyber-Ark has expanded its secure data storage package to help users more easily exchange encrypted data between their customers and business partners across the Internet.

Inter-Business Vault is Windows-based server software that automatically encrypts all stored files. It is usually placed between firewalls at the access point to the Internet so that encrypted files can be accessed via a custom-built Windows or Web client. The software is touted as an alternative to VPNs, promising better performance and easier administration.

In the second version, Cyber-Ark offers the option of having a business partner install internal-LAN gateway software as an alternative to using the Vault desktop client software. The gateways, sold separately for either HTTP, FTP or Microsoft's Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol, allow for faster file transfer than existing client software does by using server-to-server data compression and caching.

Some corporations already using Cyber-Ark Vault with the desktop client access say they will switch to the gateways because it will allow more speedy transfer of data to business partners.

"We have used Inter-Business Vault internally to provide secure means of transferring highly confidential files," says Tom King, chief information security officer at Lehman Brothers, where the use of Vault is often combined with the RSA Security SecurID dynamic passwords for two-factor authentication. "Vault is firewalled so it will only talk to the Vault client software. We will definitely move to the new version of the product, with the [CIFS] gateway, so we can extend its utility out to external firms and in some of our branch offices."

Vault is priced starting at $30,000 but can go as high as $100,000. The HTTP and FTP gateways for the Vault are available now; the CIFS gateway, which will let users access Vaulted information as if it were just another drive in Windows Explorer, will be available by the end of this quarter. Each gateway costs $5,000.

Read more about security in Network World's Security section.