The HardKey/EG Pro is a combination of USB dongle and software together encrypting files or systems keeping your data safe from prying eyes.
When you open the package, you’ll notice straight away that you don’t get much for your money. Two hundred bucks for a CD, a tiny plug-in USB dongle and a very slim manual. But as with many digital devices, small is usually beautiful.
It does however do a very effective job of protecting your data from those who might want to access it – including yourself if you lose the dongle. Encryption is 128-bit, so you can kiss your data goodbye if the USB HardKey vanishes into the aether. Luckily it comes with a hole for a cord so you can hang it round your neck and keep it close by.
The USB key is equipped with a tiny green LED to show it is working when inserted. Once recognised by the OS and the drivers located, it can be hot-plugged in and out as often as required – even while using encrypted files.
Installation is a fairly straightforward process. Slot in the CD, load the key control software and have a browse through the CD-based manual if you feel like it. However, most users should get to the 'reboot your PC now' stage without needing assistance. The program then launches the Key Generation Wizard which does a good job of taking you through the generation of up to 20 logical keys for different users, and for online users' public keys for file access over the Net.
During this process the passwords and their associated key IDs can be stored on removable media – the program suggests a floppy disk – so you can invoke a rescue file in case of memory lapses. While this is useful, the included Basic User Guide is not, and can only be described as a dog. If it was any less effective, it would bark. About the same size as a sheet of toilet paper (coincidence?), it looks like a badly-trimmed, laser-printed fortune cookie
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Half the bottom line was missing and the print quality was shocking. To include it with such a decent product is ridiculous. Luckily, the CD-based manual is noticeably better, with decent screenshots and step-by-step instructions.
In use – that’s with the HardKey dongle plugged in – the system behaves normally; but if a file is accessed via Explorer, two extra menu items pop up on right clicking. These offer either immediate encryption, or Net encryption for sending to a public access key holder. If the file is encrypted, it can only be accessed when the HardKey is plugged in. Although it appears as a standard file, any attempts to open it throw up a 'No access' or 'File in use' error message if no dongle is present. Plug the dongle in, and the file is instantly accessible. Even unplugging the HardKey with an encrypted file open under its application does not faze the digital smarts – it simply reverts to encrypted once closed.
However, not so impressive is the fact that if an encrypted file is moved to another drive it becomes open access. Likewise, if an encrypted file is opened and changed, the encryption is lost. In both cases the file needs secondary encryption – a bit tedious.
This applies even though the file is still listed as encrypted in the HardKey file manger applet. Admittedly the files cannot be opened or moved without the HardKey in the first place, but this aspect is a nuisance easily leading to accidental decryption of files.
The effect of this is diminished by using an encrypted folder. All files saved or moved to this folder are encrypted by default.
The software allows a selection of encryption algorithms: DES, TDES, RC5, RC6, TWOFISH, and IDEA are all selectable. Right clicking on any file displays it’s properties and encryption details.
One neat extra is the screensaver. Right click on the System Tray icon, and set the screensaver to 'on'. As soon as you remove the HardKey the computer screen is blanked and the keyboard locked.
Extremely effective; just plug the HardKey back in and everything is immediately accessible again.
Overall, a solid, simple and effective security device.