Security software firm Symantec has expanded its encryption offerings with the launch of its PGP Viewer for iOS, which enables mobile users to view encrypted email on an Apple iPad, iPhone, or iTouch, and a new version of Symantec Endpoint Encryption Full Disk Edition.

The new version features management capabilities for Opal-compliant, self-encrypting hard drives, allowing organisations to oversee hybrid environments involving hardware and software-based encryption offerings.

The new encryption product protects hard drives from unauthorised access and offers organisations the ability to simultaneously manage hardware-based encryption offerings such as the new Opal-compliant self-encrypting drives.

The company notes that its PGP Universal Server, an encryption and key management server, is set to be integrated with Symantec Protection Center (SPC) 2.0, which combines the company’s third party products, enabling an organisation to improve visibility into their critical business assets.

Symantec PGP Viewer for iOS with PGP Universal Server enables companies to read encrypted messages on their preferred Apple iOS devices, and users will be able to access their email through the standard iOS Mail application.

After receiving an encrypted email or an email with a PGP encrypted attachment, the user has the option to seamlessly view the message and attachment using the viewer.

Symantec said Protection Center 2.0 is a centralised security management console which enables companies to identify emerging threats, support new computing models and simplify security management.

The Symantec PGP Viewer for iOS App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is scheduled to be available by the end of this year, while the latest version of Symantec Endpoint Encryption Full Disk Edition will be available in the second half of 2011.