Compaq nc6000 HP ProtectTools Security Manager - Page 3

HP ProtectTools Security Manager At the heart of the security strategy for business notebooks, desktops and workstations is the HP ProtectTools Security Manager - this single client console application unifies security capabilities of HP client PCs under a common architecture and single user interface. Today, a range of features is being delivered that build on underlying hardware security building blocks such as TPM embedded security chips designed to the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) standard and Smart Card technology. Collectively these features are addressing business customer needs for better protection against unauthorized PC access, as well as stronger protection for sensitive data stored locally or accessed over a network. Figure 1 - HP ProtectTools Security Manager Console HP ProtectTools Security Manager embodies an extensible framework that is designed to allow security software functionality to be added through add-on modules. This approach supports longer term client device security strategy by enabling HP to introduce new functionality over time, but in a highly integrated manner. Ultimately, customers benefit from security features that are easier to use, manage, and provide enhanced value through features that play off of multiple security hardware attributes of the client device. HP ProtectTools Security Manager is only the first step. The application is a security platform that gets it's functionality via plug in software modules. A number of software modules are also being introduced that provide better protection against unauthorized access to the PC, while making access to the PC and network resources simple and convenient for authorized users. Features include support for broad multifactor user authentication where a number of different security technologies, such as Smart Cards, biometric fingerprint readers or TPM embedded security chips, can be used to authenticate users. Users are provided with more secure as well as convenient alternatives to passwords when logging into a Microsoft Windows PC. HP is also extending the HP ProtectTools Security Manager feature set to include a client-centric single sign-on capability that conveniently stores and protects many of the credentials users need daily to access websites, network resources and applications. Additional modules are also available that deliver a higher degree of client device security from the moment power is turned on. By leveraging underlying security technologies such as a TPM embedded security chip, HP is enabling better protection against unauthorized access even prior to allowing the operating system to load. 3