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LOWJACK PC
PC Idea Description
I want my PC to know that I'm using it - ie, that it's ME, and not anyone else. Maybe it's keystroke analysis? Maybe it's a test it gives from time to time? Maybe it uses its built in camera to pattern match faces? But anyway...One of the things I am most worried about is someone stealing my laptop. Sure, I can always encrypt, etc. but that is a pain and can be foiled. I want a computer that knows when it's been stolen, connects to the web, reports it to the authorities (and to me!), knows where it is (a lowjack PC!) and then starts to play with the mind of the person who stole it!
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Wrong Alexradl. They broke into my house and stole my laptop. Your laptop can be stolen anywhere and to say it's a very very slim possiblity is ignorance.
You can link it to your cell-phone. I mean most cell phones these days have bluetooth and allow custom apps. So you offer an option to turn on "secure mode" where your laptop and your cellphone are periodically exchanging a unique security code through bluetooth. The instant your cell phone is out of range it locks up. If you are like me you always have your cell phone in your pocket or close by, but in a different place than your laptop. So the person would have to know to steal both and have to be able to actually steal both. Although it would be better if it didn't lock up and just went into "silent alarm" mode where it constantly broadcasts its location whenever it can connect to the internet.
There are some lowjack programs out there, but not to the extent you are talking about. The possibility of a laptop getting stolen is very very slim. The cost of putting the technology in it that would assist you if it were stolen is pretty high. While it's an awesome idea, I don't think it's very practical (for most people).
I was thinking the same thing Genki, but in most cases of laptop theft the guy just up and grabs the computer when you aren't looking. Thumbprint biometrics can be fooled, but the average thief wouldn't take the time or effort to do so (especially if they had no idea the laptop would be reporting their location to the authorities).
The more ways you could secure it the better. But that also can make it more complex, and potentially cause you to accidentally lock yourself out of your own system.
Yah, like mxyzptlk said, a thumbprint scanner would be the normal way to go, but it's kinda easy to copy thumbprints. I think an eye scan would be the way to go (though having a bunch of fingerprint sensors inside of the keyboard keys that recognize both your typing style and fingerprints would be even cooler, and possibly more secure).
Yup, a thumbprint scanner would be perfect for this idea. As has been said, build it right into the keyboard (or maybe even make the touchpad dual purpose). The ability to add additional users would be key as well.
The lowjack feature would be even better if it would automatically scan for wifi-access once it realizes it's been swiped. That way, if the thief is on the move, he can be tracked from hotspot to hotspot.
Having some form of biometric based encrypted key for your data is always welcome in my book as governments and other agencies have been growing in power to be able to access it. Should you have your laptop/netbook stolen or somehow lose it, at least you know your data is safe. This should, as always, be at a user level, to safeguard your privacy.
It would be useful if the biometrics could also be encoded in to the hard drive so that if it's removed the data could not be wiped or accessed through another computer without the original owners consent.
I believe here in the UK that failing to provide access to data to the authorities may carry a criminal sentence, which is taking things a bit far, but then I guess it depends on the individual and circumstances.
I can sense problems with malfunctions/virus that lock you out of your own computer at a devastating time and get you arrested. :)
Fingerprint scanners are small (about the size of a postage stamp) and very effective. There's no reason why a laptop or desktop PC shouldn't have one built in to the keyboard. This would improve security immensely. Theoretically, it could also help make it easier for everyday use. Imagine not having to remember all those passwords for logging in to Windows, web forums, etc. Just rely on your fingerprint instead.
This is a neat idea: but
1. Amnesia
2. A padlock on the release mechanism might work as well
3. and this is positive; you could market them to the UK Government, they need all the help they can get.
I like it.
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