Tennessee-based Computer Sentry Software (CSS) has obtained an export licence for a desktop security package for Lans and laptops that can encrypt data at up to 448-bits.

The US Department of Commerce has granted an export licence for CSS' CyberAngel EXR, which offers encryption strengths ranging from 56-bit DES to the ultra-powerful 448-bit Blowfish, with almost no restrictions.

The software, which will retail at #100 per copy from September, provides key recovery with CSS acting as the trusted third party.

The approval is in place for "stored data" key recovery, but the firm intends to present a "data in transit" key recovery system. CyberAngel was created as a theft-deterrent system, after the theft of a laptop of the son of co-founder of the company Robert Urich - best known as the detective hero in Spenser for Hire.