Rohos Logon Key: Turn any USB device into a login key

Not exactly the same, but $30 less expensive is marco polo.

I've got it set up so that everytime I put my (i)phone in the cradle it turns off the screensaver password and disables the screensaver. It also reverses these actions upon removal.

I used to use the bluetooth proximity detector with added Adium and Mail applescript goodness for sexy time also.

I've never tried marcopolo outside the context of already-logged-in, but this is good enough for me.

If it's using a standard USB key, how does it handle the removal without that nasty device removal popup?

Although it may be possible to spoof the USB device's serial number, the OS X user account system isn't very secure anyway — it's easy to reset the root password using just an installer disk.

This seems very cool for basic security, say for fellow classmates, coworkers, etc. People that aren't out to "get you".. But if anyone had physical access to your machine for an extended period no security product would help

You only need to know what USB device is used. Then you can look up its ID and spoof it. (e.g. http://www.linux-usb.org/usb.ids)

The SN is easy to spoof with the right equipment.
But you have to *know* what serial number to spoof. That's the tricky part.

this video will become an internet meme... i'm sure

This vide reminds me of a Dharma Project video from LOST.

Worst.Video.Ever

Well, the serial number is probably in the microcontroller in the USB stick, and i don't suppose most of them have easily updatable firmware. There were those U3 things but that was just a virtual CD emulation thing.

If someone wanted to they could falsify the USB traffic i guess, that might be easier than altering an existing USB sticks controller chip.

On the other hand i don't like this idea unless there is a way to get into the system if you lose the key. :D