Data protection firm PGP's Whole Disk Encryption technology has been certified for use by the UK government and other associated organisations.

The formal approval by the National Technical Authority for Information Assurance (CESG) means that PGP is now one of a select number of companies that government organisations can turn to when procuring data security systems.

The CESG manages and formalises the usage of cryptographic products within the UK public sector with its CESG Assisted Products Service (CAPS) – an approval scheme that is specific to the UK government market.

PGP hopes this certification will help give government organisations more opportunities to protect sensitive information should devices get lost or stolen.

"Breaches have a significant and detrimental impact on public confidence, hence protecting corporate data and personal information has never been more important," said Phillip Dunkelberger, chief executive of PGP.

"CAPS approval gives assurance to government and public sector users that the PGP products have been tested to the highest possible standard."

As well providing a rigorous standard applicable for government use, approvals such as CAPS and the US equivalent FIPS 140-2, can also give private companies a sense of security when using the same products in their organisations.

PGP's Whole Disk Encryption is also currently undergoing Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level 4+ certification, the highest level that is mutually recognised by all 25 countries participating in the Common Criteria certification.