In the modern age of mobile computing, there is one thing that we cannot escape. The need for security and passwords. The average person needs to deal with passwords for the computer itself, operating system, applications, Internet access, websites, accounts, networks, etc. The list seems endless. The simplest and worst situation is to use the same password for everything. Sure it’s the easiest to remember, but the first time someone looks over your shoulder, you need to allow someone to access one thing, or the security on one account is compromised and your life is completely open to abuse. The damage to your data, personal information, reputation, and finances could be incalculable. Not to mention the amount of time it would take to change all your passwords. Using different, unique passwords is usually the best solution. However, you would need a database or PDA to keep track of all the passwords. Fortunately there are now alternatives to using passwords.

Product: Targus DEFCON Authenticator PC Card
Manufacturer: Targus
Web Site: http://www.targus.com
Category: Hardware - Security
Price: $199.99

Requirements: Notebook Computer with:
PC Card Slot (PCMCIA Type II)
Windows 98. Me, 2000, XP

For the last few years, there have been many advances in the world of Biometric security. Biometric devices rely on methods of identification that are based on unique features of an individual. Fingerprints, voiceprints, eye retinal scans, facial geometry, and other physical characteristics of a person are unique and difficult to duplicate. These forms of identification are almost impossible to counterfeit. With modern technology, it may be impossible to be 100% secure, but anything that prevents casual counterfeiting or identity theft is worth a look. A recent product in the security market is the DEFCON Authenticator from Targus.




The Authenticator is a PC Card Fingerprint Reader (a USB version is available for $119.99) that is small, lightweight, and provides for fingerprint security on almost any notebook computer running Windows. It features TruePrint technology from AuthenTec, which is a subsurface technology that senses and scans the living, second layer of skin on the finger. It is this second layer where the true pattern of a fingerprint begins. With this capability, wet, dry, or dirty fingers do not affect the technology. The Authenticator fits in a PC Card (Type II PCMCIA) slot and features an X-Jack style pop-out sensor. The sensor is a solid-state plate that scans a finger by passing an electrical signal through the subsurface layer and capturing the signal interaction with the second layer. It then generates an amplified digital pattern of the fingerprint structure. This non-optical technology is more reliable than optical methods and is not affected by dirt, calluses, and surface cuts. The software can be configured to read a finger from any direction on the notebook.



The Authenticator includes device drivers and the OmniPass security software from Softex. OmniPass provides for fingerprint support for each Windows user, websites, and applications. OmniPass monitors all login and password requests and can add your passwords to a secure Password Vault. You can elect to use your normal password or have your fingerprint verification provide the security information. All your password and login requirements can be replaced with your fingerprint scans. There is also a master password feature, so that you can use different passwords for each application or website and only have to remember the master password. Files can even be encrypted with a fingerprint lock.


The Authenticator is primarily a password management system. While it does provide for basic access security, password control, and login convenience, it will not prevent someone from accessing your files from DOS or a non-Windows boot mode, unless you encrypt your files. Of course, it does not prevent someone from stealing your notebook and formatting the hard drive. So you still need to safeguard your system from theft. Authenticator can protect you from data, access, and identity theft. Only a few notebooks currently support Biometric devices at the BIOS level. As an example, with Toshiba Satellite Pro 4600 and Tecra 8200 notebooks, fingerprint reader verification can be required in order to have any access to the notebook. So if it were stolen, the thief could not even access the BIOS or use the notebook. Even replacing the hard drive would not allow the notebook to be used without the fingerprint verification. The notebook would be useless without the owner’s fingerprint verification. Hopefully all notebooks will have this level of security in the future. Non-replaceable faceplates have made a major impact in the number of stolen car stereos and this will help reduce the number of laptops stolen every year.

The Authenticator is mainly a product for OEM and Enterprise customers. So it only contains the OmniPass software and Authenticator device drivers. Security client applications are not included. Authenticator is compatible with the IBM User Verification Manager, IBM Security Chipset, IBM Client Security Software, and BioNetrix’s Biometric Enterprise Solution, which are available separately from their respective companies.

So by now, you are probably asking why we are reviewing this product on a Pocket PC website. Targus has informed us that they are developing a set of Pocket PC drivers for the Authenticator, which should be available in the fourth quarter of 2002. So if you have a PC Card capable Pocket PC, such as an iPAQ with a PC Card Sleeve, you will be able to enjoy the features of fingerprint password security on your Pocket PC. We will provide more information on the Pocket PC version of Authenticator as it becomes available.

While the included software is not a complete security system, I did like the quality of the Authenticator and it’s solid password management features. The latest version of the software worked well on a Toshiba Satellite running Windows XP Professional. I experienced no problems with the product during two weeks of normal use. Authenticator is a little pricey and there are cheaper, optical solutions on the market, but the TruePrint technology combined with a stable software environment makes this a worthwhile investment. I hope that Targus continues to improve the Authenticator by providing additional value-added software and more Authenticator support on their website. I highly recommend the Authenticator for the password management and convenience of entering user ID and password information securely with a quick finger press.

Pros
Easy to use
Password management
Accurate scanning
Convenience
Reliability

Cons
Expensive
No Client Software
No BIOS level security

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

--Harvey Lee
PocketPC Editor