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Crypto Leash for Laptops?

Posted by michael on from the taking-my-vaio-for-a-walk dept.

timman999 writes "New Scientist reports a new device that will automatically encrypt all the data on a laptop when it is separated from its owner. It uses a small receiver and the user has to wear a transmitter on his wrist."

3 of 243 comments (clear)

  1. Wouldn't it be easier... by Marx_Mrvelous · · Score: 2, Interesting

    To just have an encrypted filesystem, and make the user type the password when it boots? Less points of failure, less expensive, and less trouble.

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  2. this would be great for our government! by Jonny+Ringo · · Score: 3, Interesting

    see: http://zdnet.com.com/2100-11-950155.html

    Although I'm afaid our government will probably have just as hard of time keeping track of the transmitter that goes around the wrist.

  3. Only encrypt what needs to be safe, not everything by Wee · · Score: 3, Interesting
    Why the hell would you want /usr to be encrypted? That would take like a year. All you need is to keep your personal files encrypted -- $HOME, /var/spool/mail, and so forth. I use BestCrypt on my laptop and one of my Linux servers. It does a great job whether you use Linux or Windows or both.

    On the laptop, I have an encrypted home directory. I never suspend my laptop, so I always log in/out when I use it in different locations. If someone stole it, they'd have a nearly impossible time getting to my personal files.

    On the fileserver I use it via Samba and NFS mounts. This is why I chose BestCrypt over some other kind of encrypted filesystem/volume, actually. My wife can mount a volume file from her Windows machine via Samba and I can mount them via NFS (or via Samba when I'm booted into Windows game mode).

    Best part is that there's no batteries, bracelets, rings, whatever to worry about. Just remember your passphrase and you're good to go. I'd recommend BestCrypt to anyone.

    -B

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