CA packs security, 2GB flash into card-sized drive
updated 02:10 pm EDT, Wed June 6, 2007
CA Internet Security Drive
Computer Associates today contributed a rare approach to security with its Internet Security Flash Drive. Conceived as a way of easily receiving a copy of the developer's software without waiting for a download or a CD, the drive embeds a USB key with 2GB of flash storage into its back that comes preloaded with CA's latest anti-malware utility and an optional Desktop DNA Migrator tool for backing up or transferring a user's most important info. Its credit card-sized profile, however, also makes it useful as a general data drive: owners can slip the Internet Security Drive into a wallet without fear of losing it, as often happens with many traditional jump drives.
The preloaded software can be installed to any Windows 2000, XP, or Vista system with a free USB 1 or 2 port. Those using Vista can alternately leave the drive clean of data to use it as a ReadyBoost cache for the new OS, stepping up its loading times on notebooks or systems with low RAM.
CA expects the drives to be available in Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand today at a price of $70 US for the version with only the security tools installed. Opting for the Migrator version, known as the Secure & Store drive, raises the price to $80.
