Abstract: Data is stored on a computing device in an encrypted form using a control application. A data access application requests access to the data. It is determined whether the data access application has available a shared encryption key that is available to the control application. If a shared encryption key is available, the shared encryption key is used to encrypt a request for access to the data. If a shared encryption key is not available, a shared encryption key is negotiated with the control application, and the negotiated shared encryption key is used to encrypt the request for access to the data. The control application receives the encrypted request, decrypts the encrypted request using the shared encryption key, and makes the data stored on the computing device in encrypted form available to the data access application in response to the decrypted request.

Abstract: A data access application key is generated. The data access application key is for use by a data access application to enable decryption of data that is stored in encrypted form on a computing device using the data access application key. The data access application key is generated using an identifier of the data access application and an application key that is specific to at least one of the computing device and/or a user of the computing device.

Abstract: Data is stored on a computing device in encrypted form in respective digital containers. At least one data access application is stored on the computing device. A control application of the computing device connects to a remote control center. A command from the remote control center is received at the connected control application. The command contains an action to be taken in respect of at least one of the at least one data access application and the containers stored on the computing device. The command is passed from the connected control application to the data access application or container, and the data access application or container carries out the command.