SoftClan Integrity 2 - Apr/May '02

SoftClan Integrity 2

There are a wide variety of software applications for the marketplace that claim to specialize in securing computer systems, and they all utilize different ways of obtaining that security. Some push your data to an off-site secure server, some use a combination of password protection and data encryption, while others secure your applications or even your hardware. They all have a unique spin. However, many of these offer only a basic level of security, and a dedicated hacker usually has no problem accessing the system.

SoftClan Integrity 2 has a different outlook than other security applications. This program will secure your critical system files as well as your personal files from viruses by enveloping them into a “Shielded” folder, which, the company says, will not allow access by any virus.

Integrity 2 can protect a large variety of files including device drivers, the system registry, configuration files, system files and any other personal files that you select.

I didn’t have any difficulties installing the application on my system. I use a Windows 98 machine, with a 450MHz processor and a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection.

It was fairly straightforward to install. However, once active, it also would have been nice to have a tutorial or a wizard to assist in the set up. Also, be aware that Integrity 2 only works with Windows 95, 98 or Me. This is a serious limitation for many law offices that are now running 2000 or XP.

At the opening screen, the user has the option to do some minor configuring. You can disable a few system tools such as the “System Registry Editing” tool and configure how you want Integrity to run. The next step is to protect the individual files. In order to do this, the application gives you three tabs to address and make your protection selections.

Control Panel. This allows you to protect any control panel applets on the computer for unauthorized access. Some examples of these applets are “Add New Program” and “Desktop Themes.” You probably don’t want to give a hacker or virus access to these applets.
Critical Files. This tab is for any files you want to protect, including device drivers, configurations settings and system files.
Shielded Folder. This is where you can protect personal files and where an attorney would want to place critical files for protection.

After you configure Integrity, you are ready to begin. The application runs in the background and protects any possible unauthorized access. It’s just that simple.

Integrity 2 works in the background because it doesn’t remove, replace or change the configuration of your system’s drivers, and it doesn’t alter the operation or speed of your system. The program runs on 4MB of hard disk space and requires 4MB RAM.

The program can be downloaded from the Integrity Web site or installed from a CD-ROM.

Overall, this application has some usefulness in the law office because it gives you a place to keep your critical files. However, I really can’t see a large audience for this in the legal community. It’s limited on the operating systems that it runs on and might be burdensome for attorneys by requiring them to constantly put their documents in the “Shielded” folder. However, you can try it for yourself using a fully-functional, 30-day trial version that can be downloaded from the company’s Web site.

For my systems security, I would start with a comprehensive virus-checking software package as well as a good firewall package. Those will offer you almost all of the protection that your law firm needs.

Software Abroad
(202) 293-5151
www.centurionsoft.com

Price: $39.95

Windows 95/98/Me

Reviewed by Adam Nelson Esq., an attorney based in Chicago.

Apr/May '02 Issue

PROS
Ease of use.

CONS
Limited operating system compatibility, can do better with a firewall/virus protection combination.

VERDICT
A more comprehensive virus checking software package combined with a good firewall package would be more effective.