BitArmor Systems

BitArmor Systems Inc. operated as a provider of information-centric data security software, originating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company was established in 2003 by Matthew White and Patrick McGregor, both alumni of Carnegie Mellon University. BitArmor focused on delivering software-based encryption and data management technologies to industries requiring the protection of sensitive information, such as healthcare, retail, and education.

The firm's core business was developing and selling integrated encryption solutions designed to protect data across a variety of endpoints and storage media. Its primary offering, BitArmor DataControl, utilized a proprietary "Smart Tag" technology. This approach attached encryption policies directly to individual files or folders, ensuring persistent protection that traveled with the data, regardless of its location—whether on laptops, desktops, USB drives, email attachments, or network servers. This method provided a more granular and data-centric alternative to traditional full-disk encryption. The technology was available as both a hosted and a non-hosted service.

BitArmor's business model was centered on selling its software solutions to mid-market businesses and enterprises aiming to secure data assets and achieve regulatory compliance. The company was venture-backed, securing multiple rounds of funding from investors including Draper Triangle, Innovation Works, and Meakem Becker Venture Capital, with a total of $5.12M raised. A significant milestone for the company occurred on January 12, 2010, when it was acquired by Trustwave, a major provider of on-demand data security and payment card industry (PCI) compliance solutions. The acquisition led to the integration of BitArmor's persistent file encryption and Smart Tag technology into Trustwave's existing data loss prevention (DLP) and endpoint security portfolio to enhance data protection for compliance, privacy, and intellectual property.

Keywords: data encryption, information security, persistent file encryption, data protection, endpoint security, data loss prevention, Smart Tag technology, enterprise data security, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity software, Trustwave acquisition, network management software, data-centric security, file encryption, disk encryption, access control, information management, data lifecycle management, PCI compliance, sensitive data protection