Overview

Protecting the private information on your HP iPAQ is serious business. There are many ways that you can protect your HP iPAQ. Taking advantage of the built-in security features is a great way to start protecting your HP iPAQ. These security features are powerful defenses against data theft.

Your login name and password are great ways to begin protecting your HP iPAQ against theft. It is important to protect the information contained on your HP iPAQ from unauthorized access. Data encryption is probably the best way to protect information on mobile devices as well as on external storage cards. (Data encryption is a conversion process that is used for protecting data.)

This white paper provides detailed information about HP ProtectTools, Odyssey Client®, and biometric security solutions. In today’s world, a lot of valuable information is being stored on handheld devices. That is why securing your personal data is so important to HP. The HP ProtectTools security features provide on-device security protection that decreases the risk of you losing sensitive data and from unauthorized access on your HP iPAQ. In addition, Odyssey Client allows easy and secure connection to a wireless network. This document is designed to assist you in understanding security and how it works on HP iPAQ devices.

Security

Security is a crucial issue facing business users today. Without strong security protection, a lost or stolen mobile device can give unauthorized users easy access to mission-critical data and network resources, exposing the business to potential legal liability, financial loss, and competitive espionage.

For these reasons, strong security is an indispensable asset for mobile business computing devices such as HP iPAQ handhelds. HP iPAQ devices address these security challenges head-on with a unique mix of advanced features and tools designed to prevent unauthorized access to user data. Several important technologies converge to make it happen:

•HP ProtectTools secured by CREDANT Technologies uses many of the same capabilities found in that company's enterprise-class Mobile Guardian® product, including user authentication and data encryption. (Authentication is the process of granting or denying someone access to a network resource.)

•Odyssey Client developed by Funk Software, Inc. allows users to connect their device (HP iPAQ hw6900 Mobile Messenger series only) to multiple secured wireless networks. Odyssey Client supports networks that adhere to the 802.11b wireless LAN standards. These networks can be found in hotels, airports, and other Internet hotspots.

•A special Biometric Fingerprint Reader allows users to easily login with a swipe of the finger (HP iPAQ hx2700 series Pocket PC only) and/or with a PIN (personal identification number). This feature provides highly secure, convenient, and fast authentication—without users having to remember passwords.

•Full virtual private network (VPN) and WEP-enhanced security is included in the Microsoft operating system. A VPN provides enhanced security when accessing corporate data over the Internet. WEP provides 64-bit and 128-bit encryption security when connected via wireless networks (802.11b).

•Even more advanced security for wireless communication through built-in support for 802.1X and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) along with support for LEAP and TKIP. LEAP is used for authentication purposes.

Mobile viruses are not currently a serious threat; but, it is important be aware of potential risks to your HP iPAQ. Viruses (also called worms or Trojan horses) are malicious and can be widely distributed. When you download programs or files that are already infected, a virus can spread between your personal computer, laptop, or other removable storage. To get more information about mobile viruses, visit http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/mobilevirus.mspx.

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