Intel's McAfee introduces biometric identification to cloud storage

Intel is introducing new ideas to ensure the security of the public cloud. Intel will provide a service that allows users to access online files after face recognition and speech recognition. Intel's McAfee will add a product called "LiveSafe". This product provides online storage of 1GB capacity and can be accessed through biometric identification. LiveSafe has a web-based management console that can identify users by face recognition, speech recognition, or a PIN number. LiveSafe also includes antivirus and other security features. McAfee likens this service to an online storage room in the cloud where sensitive information can be stored. This service can be accessed through tablets, smartphones and PCs. Various devices have different identification schemes. Multi-factor identity recognition is important for files stored in the cloud, McAfee executives say. The biometric feature is bundled with anti-theft and identity protection features in laptops configured with Intel chips, said Gary Davis, vice president of McAfee's global consumer business. Intel chips add an extra layer of protection. A large part of the announcement was the result of cooperation with Intel. A PC needs to be configured with a webcam and an Intel processor to use voice and face recognition. Not all biometric forms work on Mac computers, mobile devices, and PCs using AMD's x86 processors. In the absence of biometric identification, the user can access the file after entering the correct PIN number. LiveSafe will also be compatible with Android and Apple's iOS operating system. The price of the software is that for users who install the software on a new PC, the 12-month service charge is $19.99. After that, users pay a fee of 79.99 dollars a year. For existing PC users, the software has a 12-month subscription fee of $79.99. The security files are stored in McAfee's data center, Davis said. We need to make sure we keep the documents in the absolute safe place. McAfee software such as Total homeowner has a feature to store files in a secure location in local storage. LiveSafe will not synchronize with files in the secure file library that is created in the local store. Intel completed a 7.68 billion dollar deal to acquire McAfee in early 2011. After that, Intel took steps to apply the security company's assets to the chip level. A merged product is Deepsafe. A security layer in Intel's chips allows McAfee's malware protection software to identify and block security threats such as rootkits, or to analyze hidden behavior of potentially malicious software. Intel also says it will leverage McAfee's assets to integrate security features into the chip tier to make its products different from competitors ' products. Some features will be embedded in the mobile processor chip to help protect the safety of smartphones and tablets. (Compiled/Populus euphratica)