Biometric Security
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It is a fact that we consultants get through quite a few
laptops each year. They get broken or dropped or in extreme
cases both, particularly if they lock-up.
I previously had a netbook, which is great for collecting
email when on the move, light to transport and small in size. Where it
falls down is the small screen and keyboard which makes working on
anything other than simple word processing a complete pain.
Its very small size also meant that additional data storage, either SD
cards or USB sticks were necessary to store any decent amount of
data. A security nightmare if not handled
correctly. I must say that the netbook was a rebound from the
HP 19 inch laptop I had before that; the large size was easy to use but
it was very heavy to carry, especially on aeroplanes.
I decided to go for something in-between and plumped for a
Lenovo 410i ThinkPad. Easy to use and I don’t get a hernia
carrying it around. A good feature is the Lap-top "airbag
system" which protects the hard drive from damage due to hard bumps,
etc. It also has an impressive security system
which includes a fingerprint scanner. It requires a scan of a
fingerprint to power the system on and access any files.
I started off using the index finger of my right hand but
after doing some DIY at home I noticed that it rejected my finger swipe
for ages before finally accepting it. It turns out that the
reader is very sensitive and my finger had suffered from the DIY and
would not scan. Armed with this knowledge I decided
to use the index finger of my left hand instead. This is Ok
except first thing in the morning when obviously, my hands are a bit
swollen and again the fingerprint is rejected. Putting my
hand in cold water seems to do the trick.
I am a firm believer that security is a compromise.
Extreme security means you do nothing but very securely and lax
security means that you do everything but it is risky.
Something in between is needed.
I will stick with the fingerprint reader as first level
security and then use my favourite encryption system, Folder Lock, on
my data. In my business I cannot afford to lose data and the
small inconvenience of repeated scanning is only a mild annoyance and
gives me some peace of mind.
About the Author
Chris Eden
FIBC, MISSA, ACQI is a director of Quality Matters Limited an
established independent management consultancy based in Essex, UK which
specialises in ISO9001 Quality Management
consultancy.
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2011-04-07 11:34:02 in Computer Articles
