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

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"

Re:maybe I had too much vodja this weekend, but

[noselasd]

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

Re:maybe I had too much vodja this weekend, but

[bendsley]

Try reading the whole page before you reply!

How does it work ?

[noselasd]

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 ?

Re:How does it work ?

[Fredrik Leijon]

copy of the readme

* Copyright (c) 2004 Tim Theede
*
* If you need support write an email to [e-mail]
* 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

Re:How does it work ?

[noselasd]

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

Re:How does it work ?

[GoRK]

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.

Re:How does it work ?

[JohnFluxx]

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

Re:How does it work ?

[lakin]

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.

one more gadget to carry around?

[wolfb]

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.

[OT] Re:one more gadget to carry around?

[Puggs]

Completely offtopic, but hey...

I use Romeo [irowan.com] 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 :)

thinkgeek.com

[NTT]

Thinkgeek has the hardware for this. [thinkgeek.com] Also a good explanation of what it does.

A good review at Dan's Data

[Smack]

The review. [dansdata.com]

I wonder if it will work with my kernel...

[bergeron76]

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

Details on the actual key?

[NoMercy]

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 :)