The last product review in Gearlog's "Better Safe Than Sorry" Security Series is the SecuriKey Computer Protection System by Griffin Technologies. Thanks to Senior Editor/Writer Michael Steinhart for this review!
The SecuriKey system--software and a pair of USB keychain tokens--comes in a very cloak-and-dagger, faux-steel-reinforced case. But don't let the chintzy packaging fool you; this product is an easy-to-use choice for locking down your laptop or desktop and preventing data theft.
SecuriKey works on the premise of two-factor authentication, letting you log on to your system and access protected files and folders based on what you have (the token) and what you know (your Windows password). You can set the SecuriKey Protection Manager software to either log you out, lock down the machine, or shut down when the token is removed. The second token serves as an emergency backup should you lose one.
As part of the installation process, the wizard prompts you to insert the token into each of your machine's USB ports, so it can be recognized and used in whichever port you want. If you skip this step, the token will work only in the port you selected at the beginning. We found this step annoying, but not overly difficult or time-consuming.
Once the key is inserted and the software installed, set up a profile for yourself and any other users who will be allowed to access the machine. Reboot and the system will run only when a token is inserted.
In the Protection Manager dialog, you can tab through configuration screens for setting read/write/delete rights for selected files and folders (SecuriKey uses Windows XP's built-in encryption), and for creating new profiles. If you want other users to have their own protected data, they'll need keys of their own. Griffin sells multiuser kits to handle these eventualities.
Overall, the SecuriKey product is fairly easy to use and works as advertised, creating an additional layer of security for users who want to keep their systems protected from unauthorized access. Its list price is $129.99, which seems a bit steep.
System Requirements:
-Windows 2000 or later
-Mac OS X
The Securikey System
The SecuriKey Protection Manager console lets you set access rights for all the users on your computer.
SecuriKey's Protect Files & Folders tab lets you set read/write restrictions for your data. The software uses blue type to indicate which files and folders can be protected.
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November 7, 2006 5:18 PM
Another level of security is welcome of course. A little pricey, as you mention. I am the only use of my desktop computer: I use a BIOS administrator password as well as a different password for Windows XP. Do I need another? What would be useful is a way to prevent unauthorized removal of the hard disk, and to prevent accessing data on the hard disk if it was removed.