IGEL,†a world leader in software-defined endpoint optimization and control solutions for the secure enterprise, announced that it has extended UEFI Secure Boot capabilities to the IGEL Workspace Edition, powered by IGEL OS 11, as well as select software and IGEL Universal Desktop hardware solutions.
“In 2018, we announced that we had received UEFI Secure Boot validation from Microsoft,” said†Matthias Haas, CTO, IGEL. “By expanding this security standard to the IGEL Workspace Edition, and integrating these enhanced security features within our software and hardware solutions at the factory, IGEL is further demonstrating its commitment to securing the endpoint by preventing the manipulation of the boot sequence and subsequent execution of malware. With UEFI Secure Boot, enterprises are leveraging IGEL OS powered solutions, making it much simpler to protect their endpoints.”
UEFI Secure boot is a security standard developed by members of the PC industry to help ensure that a device boots using only software that is trusted by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). When the device starts, the firmware checks the signature of the operating system boot loader. If the signature is valid, the system boots, and the firmware gives control to the operating system.
The IGEL Workspace Edition is a feature-rich software-defined endpoint offering consisting of all essential capabilities to transform any compatible x86 device into a secure, highly functional IGEL-powered endpoint.†With the IGEL Workspace Edition, the hardware is de-coupled from the software through new, flexible and portable software licensing options that are designed to extend the value of endpoints while simplifying their acquisition, control, and management.
“Once again IGEL continues to lead the industry in its software-first approach and ability to standardize, manage and secure any complex end-user computing ecosystem,” added Haas. “With UEFI Secure Boot, only boot loaders signed with the IGEL designated keys†are allowed to be executed and load IGEL OS onto the endpoint. Further, boot loaders signed with designated keys from Microsoft can also be executed and load the operating system.”
Activated UEFI Secure Boot is available with IGEL UD3, IGEL UD6, and IGEL UD7 Universal Desktop hardware endpoints, and supported by IGEL OS 10 and IGEL OS 11 operating systems and Windows 10 IoT. IGEL intends to extend this feature to upcoming hardware solutions.
