Review - SecuriKey

What’s it about?

SecuriKey is essentially a USB dongle which, when the software is installed, must be plugged in for the computer to be accessible to the user. If the dongle is not plugged in, the user is locked out of the computer and cannot access anything until the dongle is plugged back in. It makes use of 128-bit (Windows XP) or 256-bit (Windows Vista) AES encryption which encrypts all pre-selected data when the dongle is not plugged in. It does not replace the windows password, it is an added layer of security in addition to the windows password, therefore there is effectively 3 layers of security – the dongle, the windows password and encryption.

Pros

SecuriKey, at the start, seems impenetrable. In attempts to bypass the system, we attempted a safe mode boot-up, An attempt to remove the windows password using specialized software, Creation of further admin accounts,  and other miscellaneous tests all of which proved fruitless.
The encryption is also very difficult to bypass since the files cannot be brute forced, and whilest one can run rainbow tables to determine the windows password (the files are encrypted using the windows password), one cannot access the files to decrypt them with the password, even when booting on another operating system.
The dongle is small and easy to carry around on a keychain, and should you lose your dongle, SecuriKey are kind enough to supply you with a spare.

Cons

Whilst the security on this system is undoubtedly good, if someone had enough money and a good enough reason, I believe they could crack it, but then one could say the same for any security system.
With a price tag of R1500, it’s not the cheapest security system around, but that being said, it was never really aimed at the home market. It is more for businesses who have their employees carrying around sensitive data on laptops.
My other concern is that people would get lazy and leave their SecuriKey in their laptop bag which would completely defeat the purpose; however it does come with a key ring, so it is just as easy to attach it to your car keys.
Lastly, the fact that it comes with a spare dongle is useful, however one must bear in mind that it would be unintelligent to put it where it can be easily accessed. Spare dongles should remain in the safe, or once again, the purpose is defeated.

Final Thought

SecuriKey is the perfect solution for large and small organizations that have sensitive data on their computers. It may not be 100% full proof, it is certainly a few steps closer that you were before. SecuriKey is a brilliant system that is certainly worthy of the EZ Gold Award

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