USB flash drive Logon programs review
In my searches I have found lots of people (like me) asking for programs/software that would turn a regular USB drive into a security token to replace a Windows password. There is not a whole lot of information or a review of similar programs (except in Chech here: http://www.zive.cz/h/Uzivatel/Ar.asp?ARI=126071&CHID=1&EXPS=&EXPA= or in German here: http://www.se-community.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=23325&highlight=rohos ) .
So, I decided to spend some time trying and outlaying the features of four of the top most programs out there to make this USB drive into a security token — which you have to insert into a port on the portable laptop or a desktop to login.
This table was completed based my personal requirements to the features and most asked features by other people in the forums/blogs. See notes on a specific feature below.
Features of the product: | Rohos Logon Key (the winner) www.rohos.com |
Dekart Logon www.dekart.com |
Proteg www.inflexpoint.com |
Natural Login www.palcott.com |
Notes: | Available as an EXE, MSI, or a server version. |
Can be installed only using an Administrator account. Windows 2003 is not supported. |
||
USB Key creation |
Quick and easy. |
Key Activation then adding user accounts to USB Key |
It does not replace your pass with a USB Key. But adds additional authentication level – by using USB flash drive. Password usage is required. |
Advanced. |
USB Key removal options: |
Lock desktop, turnoff, shutdown, hibernate pc. Log Off user. Activate screen saver1 |
Lock/logoff/ turnoff/restart |
lock |
lock |
Can completely disable password login |
+ |
+ |
– |
+ |
USB Key security. (two-factor login) |
PIN. Keeps passwords on a USB drive in a secured manner. |
Keeps plain passwords. Optional PIN for encryption. |
Does not creates any file on USB drive. Always makes you to use a password along with a USB flash drive. |
Optional user defined questions or a graphical pattern you need to enter Creates encrypted file. |
Multiple logins on a single USB Key |
+ |
+ |
– |
+ |
Key duplicate security hole. |
– program bounds up to owner USB flash drive and does not accept other for login (unless owner has 2 keys) |
+ |
– Program bounds up to your USB flash drive. It does not creates any files on USB flash drive. |
+ |
Has emergency login way in case you lost or USB Key |
+ based on a set of questions… |
– |
+ By answering to predefined set of questions. |
+ login with user-defined questions/answers. |
Windows XP welcome screen support |
+ |
– |
– |
~ |
Windows Vista support |
+ |
– |
– |
– |
Easy of use for Key |
Higher. |
Standard |
Standard |
Higher |
Additional Options |
login screen customizations, Enhanced system shutdown dialog. Password generator. Remote desktop login via USB key support. Access restriction for users based on time factor. Has a Server version for networks. |
Biometric logon + support of a dozen corporate security tokens. |
no |
no |
New features development? Support? |
Has the best live product and support. Has a blog. Also available is a thorough Admin guide. |
No new features for a long time. Support personnel always saying ‘we will implement this in future…’ |
No replies to my messages. Last release date: 2005 year. |
They speak French basically … Last release date: 2005. |
Price & Score (max of 10): Features /Support /Usage /Security |
25/35$ 9 10 10 10 |
~40$ 7 5 8 8 |
25$ 6 6 8 9 |
19/29$ 8 6 9 10 |