AMD is readying its second generation Ryzen Pro socket AM4 processors targeted at commercial desktops in a corporate environment, with additional management and security features. These chips are based on the company's new 12 nm "Pinnacle Ridge" silicon. Its biggest differentiator from the other Ryzen SKUs is the GuardMI feature, which is a collective of Secure Memory Encryption, a hardened Secure Boot feature, Secure Production Environment (useful for big organizations that oversee the manufacturing of their hardware, and fTPM.

AMD's 2nd gen Ryzen Pro lineup initially includes three models: the 8-core/16-thread Ryzen 7 Pro 2700X, the Ryzen 7 Pro 2700, and the 6-core/12-thread Ryzen 5 Pro 2600. Some of these chips are clocked marginally lower than their non-Pro siblings. The Pro 2700X ticks at 3.60 GHz, with 4.10 GHz (vs. 3.70 to 4.30 GHz of the 2700X); while the Pro 2700 and Pro 2600 are clocked on par with its non-Pro counterparts. The decision behind clocking the Pro 2700X lower could have something to do with TDP, which is now 95W, compared to the 105W of the normal 2700X.

Carbon Black, a cybersecurity company that's been founded by former members of the U.S. government's elite team of offensive security hackers, has released a report detailing the continued rise of ransomware's impact, which served as the fire-starter for this piece. Carbon Black's Threat Analysis Unit (TAU) has found that ransomware is an increasingly prolific economical entity, bolstered by a 2,502% increase in sales in the dark web. As with every activity, legal or illegal, the economic footprint follows profit; and in ransomware's case, it's estimated it has yielded around $1 billion just this year. Ransomware even has the advantage of not requiring specialized computer skills, and can be quickly and brainlessly deployed in search of a quick buck.

Carbon Black reports that there are currently more than 6,300 ransomware marketplaces in the dark web, with over 45,000 different product listings, which range in price from $0.5 to $3K (the median price for a DIY ransomware package stands at roughly $10.5). Ransomware sellers are taking advantage of this burgeoning, "quick buck at anyone's expense" reasoning: some ransomware sellers are earning more than six figures yearly, sometimes even more than legitimate software companies. It's no surprise, however that the report points to technologies such as Bitcoin and the Tor network as being two of the most important enablers in this ransomware explosion, besides making it much more difficult for law enforcement agencies to, well, enforce the perpetrators.To our Forum Dwellers: this piece is marked as an Editorial

Building on the global enthusiasm generated by the launch of Ryzen high-end desktop processors and EPYC server processors for the datacenter, AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today announced broad adoption of enterprise solutions featuring AMD Ryzen PRO desktop processors. Designed for business, Ryzen PRO processors bring reliability, security, and performance to address the demands of today's compute-intensive enterprise-focused workloads. Commercially-focused desktop solutions based on these new processors are expected to be available from Dell, HP, and Lenovo in the coming weeks.

"Today's business PC users require more processing power than ever before to run increasingly demanding applications, to ensure they can multi-task without disruption, and to help protect against security threats," said Jim Anderson, senior vice president and general manager, Computing and Graphics Group, AMD. "Ryzen PRO is designed to address these needs, and we're proud to collaborate with such a strong set of industry leaders on a robust assortment of AMD-based desktop PCs that showcase the strength and flexibility of the Ryzen PRO platform."

Thanks to AMD's incorporation of an ARM-based "AMD Secure Processor" in their upcoming ZEN micro-architecture, the company is poised to offer something competitor Intel's microprocessors yet don't: memory encryption. This processor, and its underlying technologies, could prove to be a stepping-stone for AMD towards regaining lost server market share. Essentially, because in a market ever more steered by cloud computing considerations, it allows for the client's data to be encrypted at every moment of the work chain. Assuming all works as intended, for the first time not even cloud providers, with either hypervisor-level privileges or even physical access to the servers, will be able to carry out any malicious actions against their clients.

One only has to consider the writing on the wall: Morgan Stanley predicts that by 2018, 30% of Microsoft's revenue will stem from its cloud services; Amazon Web Services (AWS) generated $7.88B in revenue on Q4 2015, up 69% over 2014; and worldwide spending on public cloud services by itself will grow from $70B in 2015 to an estimated $141B in 2019. Cloud computing is here to stay, and with security being as important as it is for some businesses, this is an important area of investment for AMD. This "AMD Secure Processor" will work on essentially two fronts: SME (Secure Memory Encryption) and SEV (Secure Encrypted Virtualization), backed by an hardware-based SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm).

Changingtec, the information security experts, are introducing a new kind of hassle-free encryption device for consumers. The GuardKey USB encryption dongle lets anyone easily secure their files with military-grade 256-bit encryption, and decrypt them by simply plugging the GuardKey into their computer. Rather than being limited to the amount of data on a USB stick, GuardKey secures any number of files and folders on the host computer, external drives connected to the computer, or even data stored on the Cloud.

GuardKey makes military-grade encryption easy. Make a SafeBox folder on the drives you like and everything stored inside is automatically secured with 256-bit AES encryption. To access files, simply plug in the GuardKey and the SafeBox is decrypted. When finished, unplug the GuardKey and the SafeBox not only locks up again but disappears from the file explorer.

Synology America Corp. today announced the release of the RS18016xs+ and its expansion unit RX1216sas with: vast expansion capacities; point-in-time data backup for enterprises; and unparalleled performance throughput. "Belonging to the next generation of NAS servers, the RS18016xs+ can be extended beyond 1PB of storage capacity while simplifying any backup strategy, making it the perfect choice for businesses in need of a cost-efficient, scalable, and modern storage solution," declared Michael Wang, product manager at Synology Inc.

Imation Corp., a global data storage and information security company, today announced the availability of IronKey Workspace W700, the first Microsoft-certified Windows To Go devices to be FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified. Achievement of this certification required rigorous testing, which was then reviewed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification is a requirement for civilian and military U.S. federal agencies, as well as a benchmark for security and reliability for enterprises looking for the highest level of security. Government and enterprise organizations looking to adopt a mobile device strategy with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation now have a Windows To Go option.

SanDisk Corporation, a global leader in flash storage solutions, today announced the availability of the company's first, self-encrypting solid state drive (SSD) - the SanDisk X300s SSD. Leveraging TCG Opal 2.0 and Microsoft Encrypted Hard Drive hardware-based encryption, coupled with a new SSD administration dashboard for easier audit and compliance management, the new X300s SSD delivers maximum data protection and performance to help address IT decision makers' top data management and security challenges. In making today's announcement, SanDisk also unveiled a broad ecosystem of independent software vendors (ISV) that enables enhanced security scalability of the X300s SSD.

Kanguru's newest addition to its secure Defender Collection of flash drives is loaded with security features and convenience. The new Kanguru Defender Elite30 is designed to provide superior speed, functionality, and exceptional hardware encrypted USB security to organizations seeking to protect their important data.

With the ever-increasing threat of data theft, viruses, malware and cybercrimes - organizations and individuals are looking for convenient, easy-to-use solutions that will protect the sensitive information of their customers, patients, clients and employees.

Apricorn, a leading designer and manufacturer of secure mobile storage products, has expanded into the rapidly growing ruggedized space with its new, super tough encrypted USB 3.0 solid state drive. Constructed with military grade durability and FIPS 140-2 validated security, the Aegis Padlock SSD is designed specifically to meet the stringent and rigorous needs of Government, Military and Law Enforcement.

Boasting a crush resistant, aluminum enclosure rated to over 6500 lbs, the Aegis Padlock SSD is both water resistant and impervious to dust and grit, making this secure USB 3.0 solid state drive as tough as they come. With no moving parts, the drive is drop and vibration resistant, unaffected by high humidity and works in extreme temperatures.

Buffalo Japan today introduced the RUF3-HSL Series, a new family of flash drives that offer enhanced security through the use of AES 256-bit hardware encryption. Seen below, the upcoming drives measure 55 x 21 x 9 mm, their weigh 10 grams and have a capless design with a slide-out USB 3.0 connector.

The RUF3-HSL Series drives have a one-year warranty and are set to ship in mid-February in 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB capacities, priced between 8,925 yen (~ 87 USD) and 23,310 yen (~ 227 USD).

Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the release of the DataTraveler Vault Privacy 3.0 (DTVP) secure USB Flash drive, as well as the DataTraveler Vault Privacy 3.0 Anti-Virus, which helps enterprises safeguard business data and set security policies for end-users at an affordable price point. DTVP 3.0 provides 100-percent hardware-based encryption of confidential information and is also available separately with ClevX DriveSecurity powered by ESET anti-virus protection. The anti-virus engine utilizes ESET's NOD 32 proactive award-winning technology, which protects corporate end-users wherever they work or plug in.

As the workforce becomes more mobile, businesses must take the appropriate steps to educate their employees and establish security policies so sensitive data cannot be accessed by unauthorized users or cybercriminals. Kingston's DataTraveler Vault Privacy 3.0 USB Flash drive provides affordable business-grade security with 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption using XTS block cipher mode, which offers stronger protection than CBC and ECB modes. It is the first-to-market hardware-encrypted secure USB Flash drive with USB 3.0 performance.

Apricorn (www.apricorn.com), a leading designer and manufacturer of secure encrypted USB drives, debuted its Aegis Padlock Fortress, a secure drive designed specifically for the stringent requirements of the Government, Military and Healthcare.

The first USB 3.0 hardware encrypted, PIN authenticated drive to receive FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation, the Padlock Fortress meets and exceeds 11 cryptographic security metrics, covering physical security, cryptographic key management and design integrity, making it one of the most secure USB 3.0 drives on the market.

Addonics Technologies today announced the Addonics Cipher RAID Rack and the Cipher RAID Tower, two RAID Storage solutions with AES 256-bit hardware encryption for high capacity storage. Both products are ideal for securing large volumes of sensitive information, data archiving or video recording. The Addonics 1U Cipher RAID Rack is designed to accommodate up to four 3.5" SATA hard drives in a 1U Rack mount chassis. The Cipher RAID Tower accommodates up to five 3.5" SATA hard drives in a 4-bay lightweight sturdy aluminum chassis for easy transportation.

Both units, which are operating system independent, connect to systems via a single eSATA or USB cable to a USB 3.0 or 2.0 port. Both Cipher RAID storage solutions come integrated with bullet proof, highly secure AES 256-bit full disk hardware encryption that is simple to use. There is no software to install or special training required. The encryption and description are activated by a simple insertion of a cipher key, similar to opening a door with a key. The FIPS certified hardware crypto engine integrated inside the Cipher RAID Tower ensures maximum performance of the hard drive. Data is encrypted and decrypted on all drives simultaneously on the fly, totally transparent to the user.

Zalman unveiled the ZM-HE400 and ZM-HE135 (pictured in that order). Available in silver and black, the ZM-HE400 measures 146 x 80.8 x 14 mm (LxWxH), with room for a 2.5-inch SATA 6 Gb/s drive, which it then connects to the host over USB 3.0, but not before a physical authentication layer. The enclosure features a felt-touch number-pad and a small LCD display, that let you set and authenticate a numerical password before accessing the 256-bit AES-encrypted contents of the drive. The ZM-HE135, which measures roughly the same, featuring the same 2.5-inch SATA 6 Gb/s bay that connects to the host over USB 3.0, lacks a physical authentication, but still encrypts your Precious using 256-bit AES, and authenticates on mount.

The Storage Products Business Unit of Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., a committed technology leader, announces new enterprise-grade SATA SSD models supporting cryptographic-erase and self-encrypting drive (SED) models, one an enterprise SAS solid state drive (eSSD) and the other a mobile SATA hard disk drive (HDD). Collectively, these four new 2.5-inch storage device models provide both IT system and PC system administrators with more effective tools to help secure sensitive business information.

For the enterprise, the PX02AMU value line of SATA eSSD models and PX03ANU read-intensive line of SATA SSD models feature cryptographic-erase. In addition, the PX02SMQ/U series offers Trusted Computing Group (TCG) enterprise protocol self-encryption and cryptographic-erase support in high-performance eSSD SAS models.

Imation Corp., a global scalable storage and data security company, today announced beta availability of its IronKey Workspace, certified for deployment of Windows To Go. The IronKey Workspace lets organizations outfit mobile professionals with a secure, fast USB platform to run Windows To Go from a USB stick on multiple compatible PCs, an ideal solution for teleworkers, contractors, and those implementing BYOD ("bring your own device") strategies. The IronKey Workspace is certified for deployment of Windows To Go, a feature of Windows 8 that lets enterprise users boot a full version of Windows 8 from an external USB drive on compatible host PCs.

"The traditional and static arrangement of the software instance of the user's workspace bound to a single hardware device no longer fits the personal computing requirements of a growing population of workers and, for that matter, their employers; breaking this software-to-hardware linkage is essential," said Michael Suby, Stratecast's vice president of Research at Frost & Sullivan. "PC on a Stick addresses this need by infusing complete and secure workspace portability into the realm of personal computing."

Identity theft is something many students take for granted until it happens to them. Laptops and notebook computers are a potential gold mine for thieves unless you encrypt your data, according to Addonics Technologies. The CipherUSB from Addonics provides a simple and inexpensive way to encrypt data stored on flash drives, flash media, USB hard drives as well as Blu-ray, DVD or CD media.

A student's mobile device may include your resume, transcripts, school or internship applications, or financial records? Equally, administrators who use a laptop for their job, may have files such as human resources records, student applications, transcripts, research data or payroll information stored on their system. Should your laptop be lost or stolen, you want the data inside to be electronically inaccessible.

Memory and storage specialist Integral has launched Crypto SSD, its first range of solid-state drives (SSDs) to feature military-level, AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 256-bit hardware encryption. As well as the secure, convenient and low-cost protection of sensitive data, the new drives offer all the benefits of solid-state storage. This includes low-power operation, silent running, rapid boot time and, as there are no moving parts, higher reliability and enhanced resistance to shock and vibration.

Protecting sensitive data through encryption is becoming a mandatory requirement for a wide range of organisations as bodies such as the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) impose increasingly severe penalties for data protection breaches resulting from lost and stolen computers. Crypto SSD is a 'fit and forget' solution with a low total cost of ownership (TCO) that will allow banks, law firms, educational establishments, healthcare professionals, local government and a variety of other business and public sector organisations to meet their data protection obligations.

TRENDnet, a best-in-class wired and wireless networking hardware brand, announces today the availability of the 500 Mbps Compact Powerline AV Adapter Kit, model TPL-406E2K, which comes with two TPL-406E powerline adapters. These high performance 500 Mbps adapters are fifty percent smaller than the average 500 Mbps adapter.

New media center devices such as Internet televisions, digital video recorders (DVRs), receivers, and game consoles are capable of streaming large HD files directly from the Internet. TRENDnet's ground breaking TPL-406E2K connects all of these devices to the Internet using existing electrical lines.

Post acquisition, an audit by LSI reportedly discovered that the 256-bit AES native data encryption by SandForce SSD processors never was, and that the feature really just encrypted data with 128-bit AES. The problem has been resolved and a fix is in the works. LSI will share the fix with all SSD manufacturers with SandForce-based products, who could then release firmware updates to end-users.

TRENDnet, a best-in-class wired and wireless networking hardware brand, today announces the availability of the 4-Port 500Mbps Powerline AV Adapter with four integrated Gigabit ports, model TPL-405E.

New media center devices such as internet televisions, media players, network video recorders, receivers, and game consoles are now network ready-respective devices are capable of connecting to and streaming HD files directly from the Internet. TRENDnet's 4-Port 500Mbps Powerline AV Adapter connects up to four media center devices to the Internet simultaneously using existing electrical lines.

The Fifth Amendment rules that nobody may be "compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself." Or, in other words, one has a right to avoid self-incrimination. Therefore, it's highly significant that Judge Robert Blackburn ordered a Peyton, Colorado woman accused of a being involved in a mortgage scam, to decrypt the hard disc drive of her Toshiba laptop no later than February 21. If not, she would face the consequences, including contempt of court. In a 10-page opinion, the judge wrote, "I find and conclude that the Fifth Amendment is not implicated by requiring production of the unencrypted contents of the Toshiba Satellite M305 laptop computer."

Windows 8 implements a radical new user interface called Metro for desktop PC's, which has so far received a mixed reception. However, there's many other changes under the hood and one of those is how password security is handled, which we look at here. It's a fact of life, that in today's modern world, we have to remember a plethora of passwords and PIN's, which can be daunting. This leads to security issues as users end up writing down passwords and/or create very insecure ones which can be easily guessed. Windows 8 aims to uphold strong password security, while at the same time, easing the burden on the user. Also, passwords can be obtained in various ways by miscreants, such as phishing, keylogging, guessing, and cracking. Windows addresses each of these problems in three main ways:

Gabe Newell of Valve has issued a statement that the forum hack they experienced over the weekend actually goes much deeper than they thought. The criminals accessed the main database containing such goodies as user names, hashed and salted passwords, game purchases, email addresses, billing addresses and encrypted credit card information. Apparently, no personally identifying information was taken - but we await the result of the full investigation before breathing a sigh of relief. Due to this serious breach, TechPowerUp advises all Steam users to change their account password immediately. People starting up their Steam client will now see the following message from Gabe Newell about this: