Security Apps

[jwittman]

What is your favorite security application that is compatible with OS5?

I was using Only Me, but it doesn't work on my NZ. I've been using TealLock and while I like all the customization options, it doesn't lock my Clie consistently. I want something that will automatically lock it EVERY time I turn it off.

Also, some of the customization options are confusing in TealLock and the manual is not very good at explaining them.

[hherbzilla]

I use TealLock (though not on an OS5 system), and it DOES have an option to lock EVERY time you turn it off.

Activation
Lock When...
On power off of handheld

[jwittman]

Yeah, I know about that setting and I do have it set to lock EVERY time I turn it off. But it is not consistent (as I said in my post). For example, sometimes when I turn it back on, it does not require a password.

[jbarr]

MemoSafe from www.deepnettech.com

OK, it's not a "security program" as such--it's a secure MemoPad replacement that will encrypt Memos. It's seamless, and when configured properly, is incredibly easy to use. Granted, it only secures MemoPad records, but it's invaluable for keeping secured notes. There's a Desktop Component that can be used to decrypt the Memos on your PC. It's completely compatible with the Palm Desktop as well as Outlook.

Concerning the NX/NZ, it's not HiRes+ compatible, but then again, when I write notes, I typically use the Virtual Graffiti pad anyway.

In my opinion, this is what MemoPad should be.

[Unregistered]

just use the O.S. built in security. it is build like a vault.

[jwittman]

Are you serious? The last time I checked you have to manually lock it each time.

[jbarr]

The other thing I don't like about the Palm OS security model is that unless the specific application has a security function available on its menu, you have to launch the Security app to change the settings. A much better design would be to have a aommon button on the Status Bar that, when tapped, pops up a password entry window (a finger-tappable numeric keypad would be my first choice) that would toggle the security settings.

My other concern is that I trust programs like MemoSafe and a host of others because they "encrypt" the data. I don't know if the Palm OS model does, but from the user's perspective, all it's doing is "hiding" or "masking" the data. I'll bet that if you were to examine a "hidden" file backed up to the PC, it might have "clear text" data. I personally wouldn't trust the Palm OS model to keep things like Credit Card numbers, PINS, or Bank Account numbers secured.

Of course, I could be wrong, so please prove me wrong!

[DanT]

Originally posted by jwittman
Are you serious? The last time I checked you have to manually lock it each time.

There could be some file corruptions or conflicts.  The OEM security is good enough for me.  It always asks me to enter the security code whenever i turn it on, no matter how I shut it off or if it just shut itself off with the Auto-off timer.

Removing the culprit app follows with a hard reset and RAM restore will usually restore the proper security functions.

The old OS 3.5 may need to be manually lock it each time, but not OS 4.1 or later.

The only thing I don't like with the OEM security is it displays the code on the screen while you are entering it where on-looker may see it.  To get around that I just make myself a 30-digit code shortcut.  So now all I need to do is to enter the shortcut on the System Lockout screen.  With a quick stylus swipe 30-digit code zaps across the screen and opens my Clie.  I don't think any on-looker can capture those numbers with a glance.

I also use Yaps to store sensitive info like passwords, accounts, etc. and CryptoPad to store sensitive memos.  Yaps requires another security code to open it.  CryptoPad secures private memos with a lock.  They both are freeware.  So these apps give me double security, so to speak.

[mrdeucie]

I use Padlock Hack. It's nothing that fancy but I find it easy to use. Autolocks when the Clie is shutoff manually and doesn't when it turns off by itself. It also allows you to assign the letters to your password in the keys so that you can enter the password like that.

http://www.palmblvd.com/software/pc/Padlock-Hack-1999-03-24-palm-pc.html

[LanMan]

I use Gridlock, Cryptopad, and Strip. All freeware, and my info is all locked up tight.

P.S. - use a screen proctector if you decide to use Gridlock. I like it better than password entry into my PDA, because I find it much faster than writing a password.

[KCoram]

I just gave Visual Key a try. Nice concept, makes pretty login screens, but it seems to have made my Clie ignore the "Stay on in cradle" setting!

Between it and Teal Lock, which I'm also trying out, Teal Lock seems better. I just wish you didn't have to also have Teal Paint to change the images Teal Lock displays on the login screen.

Besides the "stay on in cradle" thing, which Teal Lock seemed to honor properly, Teal Lock can be set to automatically hide private records as well as to automatically lock the device. And it has the option of a "guest password" which gives access, but not to the private records. Useful if I want to let my son play with my Clie, but don't want things like Christmas lists visible to him.

How does Gridlock compare? Does it work on an NX70?

[LanMan]

Gridlock is a simple "password" system that allows entry into the PDA. I works even with a soft reset, unlike some others. It displays a grid of twenty-five boxes on the screen at startup. You choose the correct pattern of boxes, and you're in. It does provide a Show Records, Hide Records, and Mask Records option, but I don't really use them. Gridlock can be set with a lock delay of 1min, 5min, 30min (the one I use), or 1hr.

I don't know how it works with the NR/NX units, but it's free so just try it!

[SnOOker303]

Yeah, Gridlock was good on my NR-70V but I think it is not compatible with my new NX-70, or is it? I tried it and it doesn't lock...

[KCoram]

Well, I gave Gridlock a try on my NX-70V, and it seemed to work fine. I didn't test to see if it kept the lock through a reset, though. Thing is ... I had a devil of a time remembering the grid pattern I used! Yikes!