Intego Posts Public Beta of FileGuard X4 [UPDATED]

Intego announced a public beta program for its FileGuard X4 data protection program on Monday. FileGuard creates an encrypted container for sensitive files similar to a real safe, and multiple safes can be created.

FikeGuard was designed with mobile users in mind who have sensitive files on their notebook computers. In contrast to Appleis FileVault, which encrypts the entire home directory, FileGuard only encrypts the files the user selects. "FileGuard X4?s virtual safes are easy-to-use, practical, and flexible, offering many options, such as permissions for shared access, simple drag-and-drop copying to and from safes, and unbreakable encryption," Intego said.

FileGuard X4

Features include:

• Industry-standard encryption makes safes unbreakable*
• Multiple secure virtual safes
• Set a different password for each safe
• Create safes by drag-and-drop, or from the Intego menu
• Safes increase in capacity as the user adds more files
• Open safes by a simple double-click in the Finder
• Send safes by e-mail, or store them on servers or external disks
• Set read and write permissions for safes stored on shared volumes

The public beta is free to download at Integois Website. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

* TMO has inquired into the specific mechanism of the encryption and will update this story when more information becomes available.

[UPDATE: 24 July. Intego told TMO that the encryption is AES 128-bit and SHA1. A random key is generated at the same time as the Safe. Advantages over Appleis encrypted DMG files are cited as:

1. Create safes by drag-and-drop, or from the Intego menu
2. Safes increase in capacity as you add more files
3. Change the size of a safe or compress it to save space
4. Safe icons indicate their status (open or closed)
5. Different safe icons are available to distinguish multiple safes
6. Use floating windows to access safes at all times
7. Safes can be set to close automatically after a fixed time, or when a Mac is put to sleep
8. Safes can be set to use specific mount points