Keys eliminate need for complicated passwords

Statistics show that the theft of portable computers continues to be on the rise. And although that might not be so surprising, what might cock an eyebrow is learning that it's not the loss of the equipment itself that is of major concern. Oh sure, the computer has some value and loss due to its theft is part of the problem. But the real value of these stolen computers lies within the data they contain. The costs associated to the theft of computer data are literally hundreds if not thousands of times more valuable.
Data encryption is one way to ensure that your computer's information stays protected from prying eyes. But most encryption products require the owner to remember passwords. Too often people choose easy-to-remember passwords such as their dog's name or birth dates and by doing so, they unwittingly sacrifice the security of the data they are trying to protect. The only way to ensure that a password will not succumb to being guessed is to choose one that isn't a real word.
Password-cracking software
Choosing an actual English word leaves your protection open to things such as dictionary attacks. Specially designed password cracking programs literally bombard a security program with hundreds of thousands of words in hopes that the correct one will be tried sooner or later. Given that there are only so many words in the English language, it usually doesn't take these kinds of attacks very long to accomplish their dirty work. An effective password should contain a combination of letters, numbers and even punctuation marks.
But the problem with these kinds of cryptic passwords is that they are difficult to remember, especially if you need to keep track of several. Another solution is to use a physical key that will unlock your computer's information. Two such keys are available from Griffin Technologies.
SecuriKey
The first version is called the SecuriKey ($149). The SecuriKey looks much like one of those USB flash memory drives that plugs into any available USB 1.1 or 2.0 port. But instead of containing memory, the SecuriKey contains a sophisticated decryption key that will give you access to your computer's data.
Using the included software, you install and configure the SecuriKey in several ways. You can designate that the entire hard drive be encrypted, but Griffin recommends that you designate specific folders to be classified as confidential. While the key is inserted, you have full access to the information contained within these folders. In fact, they will appear completely normal to you or any application that wants to access their files. But when the key is removed, nothing within the specified folders will be available.
Other convenient options for your desktop computer let you unplug the key while the computer remains on. That way you can easily leave your computer unattended knowing the data is safe. When you return, just plug the SecuriKey back in and get immediate access.
ControlKey
For families concerned more about the security of their children while accessing the Internet, Griffin's offers the ControlKey ($59.99). The ControlKey uses the same "ignition-key" metaphor but allows parents to limit access to specific Web site addresses when the ControlKey is not inserted. Access to other Web sites is possible only when the ControlKey is inserted.
The SecuriKey package comes with two physical USB keys and software that works on both Windows and Macintosh OS X systems. Currently the ControlKey is available only for the Windows platform and comes with just one key. By the way, if you lose all of your keys, all is not lost as long as you registered the product. Griffin will make you a new key at a nominal charge if you need it.
If you're looking for an effective way to keep your precious data secure without the hassles associated with memorizing complex passwords, then either of these products may just hold the key to your solution.
www.securikey.com
www.controlkey.com
XCraig Crossman is a national newspaper columnist writing about computers and technology. Visit his web site at www.computeramerica.com.