Pointsec Mobile Technologies last week announced that its Pointsec for PC security tool has gained certification under the internationally recognised Common Criteria standards process. The move means the product meets the tight security requirements of firms and government agencies in many industrialised nations. Pointsec for PC is the first such product to receive certification, the firm said.

Pointsec for PC is a security application that encrypts all data files on the hard disk of a Windows desktop or laptop, and enforces password access to the data. The software has been certified under Assurance Level 4 of the Common Criteria, which is required for commercial products used by US government agencies.

"We're pleased to have been awarded this certificate, the highest level of Common Criteria validation possible for commercial products," said Pointsec president Peter Larsson. The move gives Pointsec for PC the certification necessary to meet the needs of both governments and large firms, including those involved in finance, securities, and national defence projects, he added.

The Common Criteria defines concepts and principles of IT security evaluation to meet the needs of government bodies. It is supported by many industrial nations, including the UK, US, Germany, France, Canada, and the Netherlands. It has also been codified as ISO Standard 15408.

Pointsec for PC is available only under volume licensing, with prices starting at £8,500 + VAT for 100 users. The firm also ships versions of Pointsec for mobile client devices based on the Palm OS, Pocket PC and Symbian platforms.