Humber police find key to guarding data

Humberside Police are using biometric USB keys to improve the mobility and security of important data.

The USB keys are being brought in to replace the CDs, DVDs and even floppy disks that have been used to date. The storage capacity of up to 2GB per USB device means the force can reduce the number of times laptops are taken outside the police station.

The devices, supplied by MicroRiver, offer password and biometric protection in the form of fingerprints to reduce the risk of sensitive data being read if they are lost or fall into the wrong hands.

Among the most common files transferred using the USB devices are pictures such as scene-of-crime images.

Roy MacDona, information security manager at Humberside Police, said: "The USB drives are plug-and-play, so are very easy to use, while giving us the added confidence that all data transferred is secure. Also, with the capability of going up to 2GB it has reduced the need to move the PC or laptop."

Following a successful trial Humberside police have taken 100 of the devices. Gerry Toms, sales director at MicroRiver, said the devices typically retail for around £30 to £50 for the 1GB and 2GB models. He added Humberside paid "slightly less than that" though would not disclose the full value of the deal.

Fourteen other police forces across the UK are also either trialling or using the devices at present, he added.