Slashdot Mirror
Crypto Leash for Laptops?
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."
This is a great idea. It's very similar to a device I'm about to finally get around to developing.
The idea is similar to those wireless child tethers that sound an alarm when the kid wanders more than 20 feet or so away from the parent. In this case, the transmitter is a belt-clip or wrist-worn device, and the receiver is a small USB device.
Mostly targeted towards sysadmins or people who need computer security in a relatively public area, the device would lock your station whenever you were more than a few yards away. When you arrive back at your station, you can either type your password or have the receiver automatically unlock the screen.
Obviously there would need to be good encryption, preferably in the computer itself so no one can unlock your computer with a doctored USB key. The transmitter and receiver can use a system of rotating codes to prevent wireless capture.
The main point is simply to prevent the overly curious from messing with your computer while you walk down the hall to grab another Mountain Dew. Of course you can lock your screen before you leave, but do you remember to do it every time?
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