Lockheed Martin introduces secure computing on a USB flash drive

If Lockheed Martin has its way, many a laptop may be traded-in for a flash drive. Its new mobile computing technology, in association with IronKey - the maker of secure flash drive, the new IronClad USB drive shrinks a laptop's hard drive – including the entire operating system, software applications, and files – onto a secure flash drive. The resultant secure “PC on a stick” allows users on-the-go to plug-in the flash drive into just about any computer or laptop anywhere in the world for instant, secure access to their own personal desktop and files.

The IronClad technology runs the operating system directly off of the flash drive, ensuring that the user’s files never touch the hard drive of the borrowed or host computer, and the device leaves no trace that it was ever there. Each fully encrypted IronClad device delivers hardware-level protection against most contemporary malware threats and rootkits.

Charles Croom, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of Cyber Security Solutions says the company has built a smart network around each drive so that IT managers have round-the-clock control of and visibility into the status and security of every device. Steve Ryan, senior vice president at IronKey said the USB storage devices are rendered relatively useless without the proper authentication and security precautions. He said IronClad drives leverage IronKey’s secure architecture design, with hardware-only password checking that allows for secure virtual desktop and remote management capabilities.

IronClad technology integrates advanced features at the hardware, software, and network levels:

• Rugged, Secure Hardware: Built on IronKey’s proven secure USB drives, each IronClad drive includes at least 8GB of 256-bit encrypted storage, wrapped in a rugged, water- and shock-resistant metal casing.
• Patent-Pending Mobile Computing Software: Custom Lockheed Martin technology lets users run their entire desktop – from the operating system to specific applications and files – directly off of the USB drive. Built-in advanced virus protection lets users safely plug into any shared or public computer.
• Network-Wide Management: Each IronClad drive is a node on a centrally-managed network that lets IT organizations control security policies, keep watch on each drive, and carefully manage the applications that can or cannot be installed on the drive.

Croom said that IronClad technology is envisioned as a critical component of any company's cyber security strategy. He pointed out that “data at the ‘edge’ – which is carried by employees on-the-go on their laptops and smart phones – is significantly harder to physically protect than the data within the walls of company premises. “The enterprise management tools built into each IronClad drive make it significantly easier to monitor, control and manage your cyber security profile. We envision this system as a key component of any IT organization’s smart, layered cyber security architecture.”