Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Linux USB-Driver: initial release of vp-usb-lock

Posted by Hemos on from the new-tools-to-secure dept.

Tim 'pez2001' Theede writes "vp-usb-lock is a Linux kernel driver and PAM module that utilizes the PC wireless USB lock and makes it possible to use it as authentication method for your Linux box. It is easy to install, but needs access to the sources of the kernel and PAM to build correctly. It has been tested under Fedora Core 2 with a custom made 2.6.7-1.494.2.2 kernel, but it should also work with other kernel versions and distributions. Of course it's GPL'ed! download it"

15 comments

  1. maybe I had too much vodja this weekend, but by bluelip · · Score: 0

    The link provided in the blurb lokk more like an IRC tool than a usb lock.

    Anything I'm missing here??

    --

    Yep, I never spell check.
    More incorrect spellings can be found he
    1. Re:maybe I had too much vodja this weekend, but by noselasd · · Score: 4, Funny

      >Anything I'm missing here??
      There is probably a scroll bar in your browser window...

    2. Re:maybe I had too much vodja this weekend, but by bendsley · · Score: 1

      Try reading the whole page before you reply!

      --
      Alcohol & calculus don't mix. Never drink & derive.
  2. How does it work ? by noselasd · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Anyone got a description on how this thing really work ?
    e.g, what does it use to authenticate just _your_ key ?
    And is there a key on the linux box key that can potentionally be
    stolen, thus rendering your device useless ?

    1. Re:How does it work ? by Fredrik+Leijon · · Score: 2, Informative
      copy of the readme
      * Copyright (c) 2004 Tim Theede
      *
      * If you need support write an email to pez2001@voyagerproject.org
      * Skype : pez2001
      * Parts from a www.tldp.org tutorial on char device modules
      * Modified from usbmouse.c
      * pam module ripped from pam_shells
      *
      * just execute install.sh as root
      * you need your kernel sources for this build to work
      * (make sure the usbhid module is compiled as module)
      * (for kernel 2.6.7 the sources should be in /usr/src/linux-2.6.7)
      * the pam module needs the pam sources to build (works fine with 0.77)
      * just copy the directory into modules subdir in the source
      * dont forget to change the keycode in the pam_usblock.c file (near top)
      * for details check the pam_usblock/pam_usblock.c file
      * and ./configure && make all
      * then cd into modules/pam_usblock
      * and make install
      * copy service/usblock to /etc/init.d/usblock
      * and activate the service using your distribution tool
      * (dont forget this step or you maybe cant login to your
      * host from the local console after a reboot.The service
      * enables the driver at boot time!)
      * copy the pam_example_conf_d/login to /etc/pam.d/login
      * Thats about it!
      * From now on you dont need a password to login at your local console
      * if you make changes or have suggestions feel free to mail!
      *
    2. Re:How does it work ? by noselasd · · Score: 2

      Maybe I should be more clear, how does this _concept_ work, not how to use vp-usb-lock. But I'll check the sources ;)

    3. Re:How does it work ? by GoRK · · Score: 3, Funny

      If you are worried about the key fob being taken, you could put it inside the computer case, either on the motherboards "front panel" usb headers. Also some USB PCI cards have an internal port that would be perfect for this sort of thing.

    4. Re:How does it work ? by JohnFluxx · · Score: 1

      Then anyone can login. Best put a password on the usb fob.

    5. Re:How does it work ? by lakin · · Score: 1

      No one would be able to log in except for you - I think he meant putting the wireless usb receiver inside the case, not the separate transmitter that you would still carry around with you.

      --
      Paul
  3. one more gadget to carry around? by wolfb · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I prefer using my bluetooth phone for the same purpose. Is there anything similar to sailing clicker for linux? Before anyone gets worked up about the potential differences in security, let me say that I only want to lock my computer when I walk away. I wouldn't voluntarily use any device as the sole means of authentication, and I don't have anything that would be made more secure by such a device.

  4. thinkgeek.com by NTT · · Score: 5, Informative

    Thinkgeek has the hardware for this. Also a good explanation of what it does.

  5. [OT] Re:one more gadget to carry around? by Puggs · · Score: 3, Informative
    Completely offtopic, but hey...

    I use Romeo on my mac as a remote control; afaik it has similar features to sailing clicker, but with the added bonus of being GPL'd OSS Software :)

  6. A good review at Dan's Data by Smack · · Score: 5, Informative

    The review.

  7. I wonder if it will work with my kernel... by bergeron76 · · Score: 1

    been tested under Fedora Core 2 with a custom made 2.6.7-1.494.2.2 kernel, but it should also work with other kernel versions

    Version: 2.6.7-1.494.2.2-34.39.82-3.32-rmk-43.6.8.1

    --
    Don't think that a small group of dedicated individuals can't change the world. It's the only thing that ever has.
  8. Details on the actual key? by NoMercy · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I know what the reviews and other sites say, but does anyone have a manufacturers website, or any technical details on the communications protocal or how it authorises the wireless part of the system?

    Any truely secure system should tell you how it works, otherwise it might not be secure :)