lock

Iris recognition gadget eliminates passwords

Imagine logging in to Facebook or eBay with just a blink of an eye. A new gadget for consumers may soon make that possible.

Designed by the Hoyos Group, a device called EyeLock uses iris-recognition as an alternative to passwords to log you in to password-protected Web sites and applications. Although similar eye-scanning devices are already used in the business and industrial markets, Hoyos calls EyeLock "the first and only portable iris-scanning device for consumers."

The scanning device, which resembles a wand, plugs into a base that connects to your PC via a USB port. After you install the software and choose the sites and applications that you want to iris-protect, you pass the scanner in front of your eye. A snapshot is taken of your iris to confirm your identity. Assuming you're the real you, you're then granted immediate access to the secure Web site or application.

With security always a primary concern, the company boasts that the device is unhackable.

"Every time you log in, it reads your iris and creates a unique key, which is a series of numbers, and this key changes every time you log in, so no one can hack it," Tracy Hoyos, assistant marketing director, said in an interview with CNN.… Read more

iOS Tip: Create iPhone, iPad lock screen reminders

This tip is easy, but extremely useful for users wanting to get the most out of their iOS device. Interestingly, there are tens, if not hundreds, of calendar, to-do, and organization Apps for your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch that you can use to remember things.

But the best way may be a functionality that iOS offers already. The screen most people see the most is the lock screen. It stands to reason then that the lock screen would be the perfect place for a constant reminder.

There are any number of ways to accomplish this. One, provided by a … Read more

Avoiding the cost of entanglement

Modern IT is very focused on economics. We talk endlessly about cost. We debate capital costs vs. operational costs--CAPEX vs. OPEX, in the lingo. We look at Total Cost of Operations (TCO) and we try to calculate our projects' Return On Investment (ROI). But even with all of these economic metrics, we miss an enormous source of costs: Our long-term entanglement with the products, technologies, and approaches we choose.

Long ago, we had a bright idea. "We could represent the year portion of dates with just two digits--that would save space!" We happily did that for a few … Read more

Cannot delete or open specific files that are 'in use'

Sometimes when managing files with various programs in OS X, you may experience a problem with the program such as a hang, crash, or some other odd hiccup that interrupts the program's read or write process. While most of the time this results in you being able to delete and recreate the file or otherwise reopen it to continue your work, sometimes it can result in a file being locked by the system so it cannot be edited or managed by any program, or even deleted.

Apple discussion poster "Spprrw" writes:

"I tried to download yahoo … Read more

Secure in a flash

BuduLock from Mouse Click Enterprises is a free security tool that adds password protection to any folder in your system, even those on portable devices like USB flash drives. It can also prevent USB flash drives from working on your PC without the correct password. It doesn't disable the flash drive but rather prevents USB drives from working on your system, meaning no one can come along, plug in a flash drive, and swipe your data, infect your computer, or both. Your flash drives will work normally in unprotected systems.

BuduLock's compact interface is tabbed Folder Lock, Flash … Read more

VW offers unconventional security option

OEM car stereos and in-dash navigation systems typically deter would-be thieves, because these units usually only work in the vehicle in which they ship. A thief would have a harder time selling, for example, a stolen Honda Civic stereo to anyone other than other Honda Civic owners who likely already have Civic stereos! However, in the European market, the popularity of Volkswagen vehicles combined with the modular nature of the manufacturer's infotainment systems makes VW's optional RNS 310 and RNS 510 navigation units prime targets for getting nicked. In reaction to a rash of thefts, VW has come … Read more

Crave 27: Shoes (podcast)

Aside from all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargains, it's been a relatively slow week for new gadget cravings. That said, we've got a few awesome gems to discuss in Jasmine's absence, including Delorean hard drives, the perfect vacuum shoes for Donald's recently admitted robot maid fetish, bike locks that take to the air, and social-network sneakers. Also, a pizza that should not be!

Subscribe in iTunes SD Video | Subscribe in RSS SD Video… Read more

Climbing bike lock raises the security bar

German company Conrad recently showed off a DIY bike lock that will lift your bicycle up a lamppost, (hopefully) putting it out of reach of thieves. The device is motorized and has skateboard wheels that let it "roll" up the pole, away from prying hands.

This is not a finished product that you can buy, but something anyone can make. Conrad is a Web store that sells parts and tools for tinkerers. In fact, the page where this video is featured includes links to the different components needed for those who want to attempt to make the DIY lock.

Check out the video below to see the contraption in action. … Read more

CNET TV Apple Byte: iPhone security flaws unlocked

This week's Halloween-inspired Apple Byte features CNET TV's Brian Tong discussing the latest in Apple news, tips, tricks, and of course rumors. This week, Apple's biggest security flaw has been exposed by simply initiating an emergency call, iOS gets major competition from a forthcoming Sony PSP phone and major dap from Nintendo, and the MacBook Air gets a speed test versus popular MacBook Pro versions.

On an iOS device? View the Apple Byte… Read more

Kensington ClickSafe: Does anyone lock a laptop?

I remember 1997. I always brought my Kensington cable lock with me to tie down my PowerBook at the grad school library. Honestly, I don't think I've used a laptop lock since.

I'm not alone, apparently. Kensington's new ClickSafe locking system aims to somehow make the process easier. Well, at least half of the process: the new ClickSafe lock automatically snaps onto your laptop without a key, but it still requires a key to unlock--not a surprise, since a lock that could be unlocked without a key doesn't sound very safe at all.

The Kensington … Read more