Abstract: Methods and apparatus involve protecting data encrypted by a first key on an endpoint computing asset including a drive with full disk encryption. The endpoint has both a main operating system for applications, and the like, and another operating system during a pre-boot phase of operation. During use, the pre-boot operating system prevents a user of the endpoint from accessing the encrypted data and the key. In one embodiment, an information exchange partition on the endpoint is accessible from a remote location and includes data encrypted using a second key accessible to both the pre-boot operating system and the main operating system. Another embodiment allows for the provision of a network connection to the endpoint during the pre-boot phase of operation in accordance with a security policy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involve protecting encrypted data of endpoint computing assets by managing decryption keys. The endpoint has both a traditional operating system for applications, and the like, and another operating system during a pre-boot phase of operation. During use, the pre-boot operating system prevents users of the endpoint from accessing the encrypted data and the key. Upon determining the encrypted data has been compromised, the key is disassociated from the encrypted data. Disassociation can occur in a variety of ways including deleting or scrambling the key and/or data or re-encrypting the encrypted data with a new key. Key escrowing and updating through the pre-boot is further contemplated. The pre-boot phase also contemplates a limited computing connection between the endpoint and a specified authentication server and approved networking ports, USB devices and biometric equipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involve evaluating endpoint computing assets. The endpoint has both a traditional operating system for applications, and the like, and another operating system during a pre-boot phase of operation. During use, the traditional operating system identifies a last evaluation status of the computing device at a time just prior to shutting down. Upon a next booting, the pre-boot operating system loads and examines [reads] the last evaluation status. If the last evaluation status requires any completion action in order to comply with a predetermined computing policy, either or both the operating systems attend to its effectuation, including communication/handoff by way of one or more security agents. In a variety of ways, effectuation occurs by: determining a present location of the computing device, quarantining the computing device from certain network traffic; VPN enforcement; patching applications; firewall involvement; etc. Computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involve protecting data encrypted by a first key on an endpoint computing asset including a drive with full disk encryption. The endpoint has both a main operating system for applications, and the like, and another operating system during a pre-boot phase of operation. During use, the pre-boot operating system prevents a user of the endpoint from accessing the encrypted data and the key. In one embodiment, an information exchange partition on the endpoint is accessible from a remote location and includes data encrypted using a second key accessible to both the pre-boot operating system and the main operating system. Another embodiment allows for the provision of a network connection to the endpoint during the pre-boot phase of operation in accordance with a security policy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involve the mitigation of security threats at a computing endpoint, such as a server, including dynamic virtual machine imaging. During use, a threat assessment is undertaken to determine whether a server is compromised by a security threat. If so, a countermeasure to counteract the security threat is developed and installed on a virtual representation of the server. In this manner, the compromised server can be replaced with its virtual representation, but while always maintaining the availability of the endpoint in the computing environment. Other features contemplate configuration of the virtual representation from a cloned image of the compromised server at least as of a time just before the compromise and configuration on separate or same hardware platforms. Testing of the countermeasure to determine success is another feature as is monitoring data flows to identifying compromises, including types or severity. Computer program products and systems are also taught.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involve protecting encrypted data of endpoint computing assets by managing decryption keys. The endpoint has both a traditional operating system for applications, and the like, and another operating system during a pre-boot phase of operation. During use, the pre-boot operating system prevents users of the endpoint from accessing the encrypted data and the key. Upon determining the encrypted data has been compromised, the key is disassociated from the encrypted data. Disassociation can occur in a variety of ways including deleting or scrambling the key and/or data or re-encrypting the encrypted data with a new key. Key escrowing and updating through the pre-boot is further contemplated. The pre-boot phase also contemplates a limited computing connection between the endpoint and a specified authentication server and approved networking ports, USB devices and biometric equipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involve evaluating endpoint computing assets. The endpoint has both a traditional operating system for applications, and the like, and another operating system during a pre-boot phase of operation. During use, the traditional operating system identifies a last evaluation status of the computing device at a time just prior to shutting down. Upon a next booting, the pre-boot operating system loads and examines [reads] the last evaluation status. If the last evaluation status requires any completion action in order to comply with a predetermined computing policy, either or both the operating systems attend to its effectuation, including communication/handoff by way of one or more security agents. In a variety of ways, effectuation occurs by: determining a present location of the computing device, quarantining the computing device from certain network traffic; VPN enforcement; patching applications; firewall involvement; etc. Computer program products are also disclosed.