F-Secure Desktop Press Release

F-Secure Desktop brings a new level of protection to sensitive data in the Windows environment

(HELSINKI, Finland,16 September 1996). Data Fellows, a leader in computer security, has launched a beta testing program for a new generation personal encryption software. F-Secure Desktop is the easiest and most secure way to protect ordinary users' sensitive data. The final version of the product will be shipped in October 1996.

"F-Secure Desktop brings a new degree of protection to personal files, directories, and folders," said Risto Siilasmaa, Chief Executive Officer of Data Fellows. "I strongly believe that we have developed a product that each PC user having sensitive information should test."

When the user logs out of Windows, F-Secure Desktop automatically encrypts the predetermined files, directories, and folders. Upon log on, the same files, directories and folders are automatically decrypted. The technology developed by Data Fellows allowing the easy configuration and use of encryption and decryption is called AutoSec™.

Encryption and decryption can also be started manually with only one menu command while logged on to Windows. It is also possible to permanently encrypt data. Such data is decrypted only on command, never automatically

F-Secure Desktop actually becomes a part of the file management subsystem of the user's PC. In Windows 3.11, there is an additional F-Secure menu in File Manager for the selection of files and directories to be encrypted. In Windows, 95 F-Secure Desktop is integrated directly with the 95 Explorer. Strong encryption Ease of use has not limited the cryptographical strength of F-Secure Desktop. The software uses 256-bit Blowfish keys. The length of the key is twice the size (128-bit) recommended for strong encryption. Strength of encryption is not restricted by any US or Canadian cryptographic export regulations, and is thus available world-wide. The Blowfish technology is one of the fastest crypto-technologies. Encryption speed is approximately 7 Mbit/sec. in a typical PC environment, or about speed of data transfer of a hard disk.

F-Secure means industry standard cryptography from Data Fellows. The F-Secure product family consists of industry standard cryptography solutions to protect sensitive Windows and Unix communications, and data.

The F-Secure product line was introduced in April 1996 with the launch of F-Secure SSH. F-Secure SSH secures TCP/IP terminal communications in UNIX and Windows environments. Future members of the F-Secure family will include F-Secure VPN for securing Intranets and F-Secure Commerce for securing monetary transactions on Internet.