GateKeeper (access control device)
GateKeeper is a wireless proximity-based access control and authentication device that allows a user to automatically lock their computer by walking away and unlock it by walking back.[1][2][3][4] Untethered Labs is an American computer security firm, led by CEO Siddharth Potbhare, that created the original GateKeeper in 2014.[5] The GateKeeper consists of a key fob (the device), a USB dongle to transmit the wireless signal, and software to manage user credentials.[6] The device also functions as a password manager.[7][8]
Developer(s) | Untethered Labs Inc. |
---|---|
Initial release | October 2015 |
Stable release | Version 3.7.12
/ May 19, 2019 |
Operating system | Windows (7+), macOS |
Website | https://www.gkaccess.com |
GateKeeper Software and Hardware
GateKeeper software uses a dashboard that displays the device's signal strength, allows users to select or configure lock settings, manage user credentials, and set the range at which the computer detects the device's presence.[9] The GateKeeper software provides the user options to enable two-factor authentication (2-FA) for computer access by requiring the user to enter a PIN and carry the GateKeeper security token to login.[10] If the USB sensor is ever removed from the computer, the software immediately locks the computer.[11]
GateKeeper Enterprise
The GateKeeper Enterprise software integrates with the GateKeeper hardware, which allows the administrator to control the deployment and management of GateKeepers on the network.[12] The IT administrator can set security policies, gather log data for auditing, conduct productivity analysis, and deploy updates to the client software.[13]
GateKeeper Halberd
In December 2017, Untethered Labs announced on Kickstarter that they would release the Halberd, a key fob with a new hardware design.[14] According to the company, the Halberd's larger design, new processor, and added accelerometer improve the device's performance and battery life.[15] The Halberd subsequently reached its funding goal of $25,000 by raising $50,000 in 28 days from over 400 backers and is expected to be released in January 2018.[16] The company also plans to release compatible software for Mac and Linux systems as well as single sign-on capabilities in 2018.[17]
See also
References
- "2014 Create the Future Design: Consumer Products Category Winner". NASA Tech Briefs. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
- "Never Delete Your Browser History Again". Geeks & Beats. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
- "UMCP's CoolCAD Kickstarts Its Keychain Computer-Lock". University of Maryland UM Ventures. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
- "Forget Passwords, This Device Locks Your PC Based On Your Proximity". Futurism. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
- "Untethered Labs - CrunchBase". CrunchBase. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- "Gatekeeper Review: Wireless Bluetooth Computer Lock". Techniblogic. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
- "Gatekeeper Chain key fob automatically locks your PC when AFK". gizmag. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
- "GateKeeper Android/iOS Bluetooth Tracker Lock Key – No more use of Ctrl-Alt-Del option by IT managers". Gadget-Tech. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
- "GateKeeper 2.0 Review". TechBerge. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
- "Gatekeeper 2.0 Secure Wireless Lock & Key for your Computer". G4 Canada. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
- "10 tech tools to survive a business trip". CIO.com. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
- "GateKeeper 2.0 Wireless Computer Lock". Inviverse. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
- "CES 2016: Meet the stand-out security and privacy gadgets". ZDNet. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
- "Wearable Access Control". Correctional News. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
- "Wireless smart key auto locks a computer when the user walks away". New Atlas. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
- "Halberd - Your Computer Key to Kill the Password". Kickstarter. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
- "Wireless smart key auto locks a computer when the user walks away". New Atlas. Retrieved January 6, 2018.