One of the issues which we commonly have to address is what is the burning platform to deploy TruSeal to render the integrity of key information readily demonstrable? At one level, the answer is simple. Working digitally is faster, cheaper and greener than working in the physical world. Collaboration is good. But, digital data is susceptible to fabrication and manipulation with consequences. Stuff really does happen. Here are 3 examples that recently appeared in the press.
This is an example of insiders manipulating data inappropriately and an illustration of why a system centric solution (secure repository) should be reinforced by a file centric solution managed by a trusted third party – like TruSealTM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11011034
Here is an example of a simple “he said, she said”. How much money and time would the innocent party be saving if he had a digital copy of his contract protected by TruSeal?
http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/07/facebook-suspects-forgery/
Here is an example of an alleged inability to progress a cold case because evidence has been corrupted. If this were digital evidence, TruSeal could demonstrate irrefutably that that which was fit for use in prosecution and that part which could not sensibly be relied upon
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/aug/26/asil-nadir-trial-fraud-allegations
A Publishing Services company who work with authors and designers to publish manuals, books, poetry or memoirs express concerns over copyright. The fears authors have with plagiarism and their work being stolen are very real. One client, a graphic designer, had submitted his work to provide a design for a book cover. The tender was rejected yet the design was still used by the company in question. The graphic designer simply had no mechanism to prove the design used was indeed their own. The publisher reports that most authors express concerns when submitting or transmitting their work electronically and, understandably remain very protective over their work.
It is of no surprise that upon learning about TruSeal™ and its capabilities the publishing company was delighted to be able to offer its clients an enhanced copyright and ownership service. With TruSeal™ clients can have their worked ‘sealed’ not only protecting the integrity of their work but also providing a mechanism to authenticate work and prove rightful ownership should the need arise. Moreover, TruSeal™ enables authors to protect their original documents and any published MP3s, Audiobooks or electronic publication and enables graphic designers to protect their original designs and any subsequent copies published online.
The world of cyber security is getting to grips with the spectre of state sponsored hacking. The profile of the hacker is no longer just a talented individual motivated by financial gain or the opportunity to outwit others. We are now looking at structured and well resourced attacks to further national security interests. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberwarfare for an introduction to the issue and for further reading.
An emerging consideration is that data might not simply be stolen but altered, sometimes subtly, in order to create misinformation and with potentially calamitous consequences. Of course, the best response to this concern is to prevent unauthorised ingress in the first place with perimeter security. And not just one perimeter but with multiple layers using a defense in depth response.
But, even with the best possible defences, a finite and unquantifiable risk remains. How do you prove that there has been no ingress. How do you prove a negative? How do you prove that sensitive data has not been altered or contaminated? Perhaps technologies like TruSeal should be another layer of that defense in depth response.
The latest release of TruSealTM contains a new field in the seal record which is a “why” to complement the “who”, “what” and “when” elements in earlier versions. The field is free text so users can enter whatever text best describes their business process and rationale for adding TruSeal to their data, knowing that this text will be reproduced exactly each time the data is validated successfully.
We did think about having a drop down menu of reasons but we feel that the sheer number of uses to which TruSeal can be put could not be represented effectively in that way. Here are just a few:
• To electronically sign the document
• To notarize the document
• To witness the document
• To demonstrate approval of the contents
• To demonstrate sign-off of the contents
• To assert ownership of intellectual property
• To assert that file is free of malware
• To demonstrate authenticity of contents
• To protect evidential weight
• To demonstrate chain of custody
• To demonstrate time of transaction
• To demonstrate integrity of content
Please check back from time to time as we add further uses uncovered in discussions with current and prospective users of TruSeal.
It may be that the particular legal requirements in some jurisdictions cannot be met with TruSeal in its standard configuration. Please check with your legal advisor before proceeding
Business partner Data Capture Solutions now offer TruSeal file security as a module for their award winning FileStore EDM Document Management software.
FileStore EDM is a powerful and comprehensive document management system enabling organisations to centrally manage documentation saving time and money.
FileStore document management software enable you to:
- • capture, manage and find any type of document or information
- • centrally manage document storage, security, and user permissions
- • link documents and folders with existing systems and data
- • provide secure access to documents from existing legacy system (image enabling)
- • manage the flow of documents between mailroom, staff and other companies
TruSeal Non-Repudiation Solution Module adds:
- • Prove the WHO, WHAT, WHEN of digital files from any location
- • Offers a ‘pay per transaction’ pricing model, with no set up costs
- • Installs confidence and trust in data authenticity
- • Supports the litigation process with instant validation of electronic evidence
- • Meets highest standard of compliance and regulatory obligations
- • Saves up to 90% on paper management costs
- • Easy to use for you and your business partners