Handheld Globull device offers secure data on the move

The Globull contains a 60GB hard drive protected by a built-in security chip

Bull Information Systems has unveiled a portable device designed to let workers securely carry data, and even a self-contained work environment, while on the move.

Available from 6 April, the Globull is about the size of a PDA and features a small touch-screen display for user authentication. It contains a 60GB hard drive protected by a built-in security chip developed by Bull, which provides 256-bit AES encryption.

The device enables users to access files by connecting it to the USB port of any Windows or Linux computer. It also supports a client virtualisation environment in a protected partition of the disk, allowing workers to access a complete self-contained work environment, according to Bull.

Globull is designed to address the security issues raised by mobile workers who need to carry sensitive information with them as part of their job, and will typically be used in conjunction with a laptop. Bull said that the device has been selected for use by diplomatic staff in the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union.

Encrypted hard drive products are not new, but Bull said that Globull's touch-screen interface avoids the need to type an access Pin into a computer in order to authenticate the user, so it cannot be intercepted by any lurking malware. The built-in security chip also offloads all encryption processing from the host computer.

Centralised administration tools enable large numbers of Globull devices to be configured and tracked, Bull said.

The basic Globull vault costs £430, and the Client Virtualisation Software costs an additional £70. The price includes three years' support.

Bull will demonstrate the Globull at the InfoSecurity Europe 2009 exhibition in London from 28 to 30 April.