WALKING AWAY LOCKS YOUR COMPUTER
Imagine walking away from your computer and it automatically
locks everything down. Walk back and it automatically unlocks itself
for you. Now stop imagining because it's already here. Computer
security continues to be a major issue these days. Computer security
covers such a wide variety of issues that you have to be very
precise as to what particular facet of this complex issue you may be
referring to. For the sake of this particular column, I'm writing
about how to keep your computer safe from unauthorized access. More
specifically, when you get up and walk away from your computer, I'd
like to focus on what you can do to lock things down until you
return.
There are countless software utilities that let you secure your
PC with just a mouse click or keystroke. Entering a password will
once again grant you access back in. There are countless hardware
devices that let you secure your PC ranging from a physical locking
devices that keep the keyboard secure to devices that plug into a
USB port. Most of the latter types look a lot like a USB flash
drive. Acting much like a key, when you insert the device into any
USB port on the computer, you have full access. Remove it and
everything gets locked down. One variation even has a tiny
fingerprint scanner built into it so that even after plugging it in,
you still need to swipe a finger across the reader before you can
begin.
 Recently
I came across yet another one if these USB locking systems but it
adds another unusual twist that upon reflection seems to offer the
most unobtrusive method of access security. The USB Wireless
Security Lock offers the simplicity of the aforementioned USB port
keys but you don't have to keep plugging and unplugging the device.
You just simply get up and walk away to lock it. That's it. Just the
action of getting up and walking away from your computer locks it
down. Walking back to the computer unlocks it without you having to
do one single thing more. So how does it know when you are away and
back? You carry on your person a tiny radio frequency transmitter.
The device is so small that it can easily fit onto a keychain.
Looking like a tiny black and green yoyo, the device needs to be
within around 6 feet of the computer. The USB receiver senses its
presence and all is just fine. Any further away, the USB receiver
loses the signal and it's a lock.
The USB Wireless Security Lock reminds me of how some of today's
newest automobiles implement their locking and unlocking procedures.
My own car for example, has the transmitter built right into the
key. It's pretty much like most other cars when locking the door.
But to unlock it, I merely have to be right next to the door, pull
on the door handle and I'm in. Anyone else trying to open the door
without the transmitter will not be able to open the door. I have to
tell you that since owning this car, not having to fumble for the
key is a godsend. Just walk over to the car and get in. You don't
have to do anything more. I would think that the same scenario with
a computer would also be so much less of a hassle, especially if
you're one of those people who has to constantly get up and come
back to their computer throughout the day. Now instead of fumbling
with passwords or playing with hardware security devices, all you
have to do is get up and walk away knowing your computer is secure
from anyone who may be passing by.
By the way, if for some reason you manage to lose the security
yoyo, the setup will grant you access via a password override
system.
The USB Wireless Security Lock comes with everything you need to
make it work including the battery. The USB Wireless Security Lock
works with most versions of Windows and sells for $29.99. It's
available from the good folks at ThinkGeek.com.
www.thinkgeek.com |
