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Secure PDAs

Posted by michael on from the keeps-honest-men-honest dept.

An anonymous reader writes "This article at LinuxDevices.com introduces a unique Linux-based 'secure PDA' co-developed by IBM and Consumer Direct Link, Inc. (CDL). The Paron MPC combines the functions of a PDA, Bluetooth wireless access, cellular telephone, and biometric fingerprint recognition, along with a security-oriented hardware/software architecture. The device is claimed to be the world's first handheld wireless device with built-in biometric user authentication. The Paron is based on an Intel StrongARM SA-1110 processor and uses a Linux 2.4.x kernel and provides a GUI environment and PDA app suite based on Trolltech's Qtopia and Opera's browser much like the Sharp Zaurus."

8 of 111 comments (clear)

  1. Biometric security by airrage · · Score: 5, Informative

    We currently run biometric clocks for our timecard authorization, but in deploying this technology there is nothing terribly secure about it. For instance, a quick google will show you all the methods of defeating the fingerprint scan, and once a thief has this device, it's not much trouble to "dust" the last fingerprint, and create a good scan with illustrator. So remember, gotta wipe the sensor everytime!

    --
    "This isn't a study in computer science, its a study in human behavior"
    1. Re:Biometric security by meatspray · · Score: 5, Informative

      actually the new IPAQ 5400 (due out soon) will have a fingerprint scanner on it. the strange thing is the sensor is only .5mm high, you have to swipe your finger across it.

      there's a picture of it herehttp://www.brighthand.com/article/iPAQ_5400


      Although this would proably leave a very small cross secion of the print behind, it shouldn't be enough to get a good capture of. (now the ones you leave on the sides and bottom. . . well that's another story)

  2. Not-so-secure PDA by kaosrain · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This may not be so secure after all, if it includes Bluetooth. Read here for more.

    -Kaos

  3. It's about time by L.+VeGas · · Score: 5, Funny

    I've been wanting a secure PDA for years. My Palm III is always saying things like "You don't think I'm too old, do you?" and "Those Pocket PC's sure look thin." I'm about ready to trade it in for a "trophy PDA".

    --
    Best Windows Freeware
  4. never work by TerryAtWork · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Bruce Schneier has handled this in his book
    Secrets and Lies.

    http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/04 71 253111/qid=1036775441/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/102-248505 7-0576118?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

    Biometrics is not ready for prime time. When they hack it, are you going to be isssued a new thumb?

    --
    It's Christmas everyday with BitTorrent.
  5. Bare Bones has a secure Personal Analog Device by burgburgburg · · Score: 5, Funny

    Bare Bones re-released their announcement about their entry into the PDA market with their new Personal Analog Device, or PAD. The Bare Bones PAD uses the strong content encryption algorithm known as "Chicken Scratch" which renders the input unreadable to all except the PAD's rightful owner, without relying on the cumbersome key-and-passphrase systems of existing encryption technologies. There are two configurations available, the PAD 150 and the PAD 300. The PAD 150 has storage for 150 pages of data. The 300 doubles that.

  6. you must admit by Faggot · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If microsoft did "biometric user identification", we'd be screaming bloody 1984. Instead, it's linux-based. Neat-o.

    There's plenty of automatic-MS-bashing that goes on here, and plenty of automatic-MS-bashing-bashing. But if you look at the facts and stick to the numbers, it's not very farfetched to assume Microsoft is always trying to screw us somehow.

    Look at Palladium, with which they will entrench DRM on every desktop. Look at Word's closed and obfuscated binary file format. Look at all their OEM tricks, and EULA abuse, their fake Switch ads and their systematic abuse of power.

    Their strategy (whose final step is most assuredly "PROFIT !!") has been to fuck consumers and users as much as they can get away with and rob their pockets of change. Next to a Finnish hobbyist's OS, they look pretty bad.

    --

    But what do I know. I'm just looking for anonymous gay sex.

  7. Looks fairly similiar to the Zaurus SL-5500 by pheph · · Score: 5, Interesting
    which I picked up fairly recently and is exactly what I've been looking for in a PDA (with OpenZaurus its even better). However:

    this machine does not feature the slide out keyboard, and while it is quite small on the zaurus, I'd say I use it about half the time (hey, you ever get drunk and try to use graffiti? ;) )

    the machine [looks] very large! Like a Jornada or something! ;)

    I'd rather see 802.11b than bluetooth...

    If you disagree, don't post anonymously :)