Spy Review

The device is Eikon Digital Privacy Manager from Upek. It is a biometric security solution that bypasses the need for creating passwords. It uses fingerprint technology to provide access to accounts which would otherwise require entering passwords manually to log in. Although fingerprint technology as a concept is not radically new, it certainly is for the purpose of password management for the consumer market.

This particular product is not yet on the market in the UK, the company behind its UK distribution asked me to write a review based on some information they sent me about the device. I have been told it should become available in about four weeks time. However, its already available in the US and information about the reader can be found on the Upek site.

It connects to a computer via USB and works by recognising a person’s fingerprint when swiped over the sensor which would then become the authentication for access. Initially, the system requires several swipes as a meausure of providing greater security. Anytime a new password is to be created using the reader to replace the traditional password logins, it can be added to the databank. The software that will guide the user in setting this up.

Its designed to replace the traditional way of accessing both accounts and applications. We are all aware that most of us that use the computer and the Internet have a multitiude of passwords to remember. Setting simple passwords that are easy to remember can be a risk while the more difficult combinations are often a pain to remember. This device intends to replace the hassle of coming up with and remembering these difficult combinations simply by allowing access to your desired accounts at the swipe of a finger.

Its compatible with individual computers and networks alike thus making its suitable for companies as well as in the home.

Some of the advantages are quite obvious such a speeding up the process of access; it can improve productivity of employees in organisations by virtue of creating greater efficiency in access.

Of course, the network administrator has at his/her disposable various settings to grant the level of access and also add or remove access for people.

But the most important question is, will it be secure?

For anyone concerned about using their fingerprint on a device that can be used to reconstruct an image and possibly manipulated by anyone with devious intentions, we have been assured by the company that it uses only a few unique features to map the fingerprint, so reconstructing a total fingerprint image is impossible.

I would assume a product like this would be ideal for the home initially, but will require more stringent testing before it is employed by organisations, where, understandably, there are greater risks from it being misused because it would could allow access without proper authentication to highly confidential information that could fall into the wrong hands. However, that is only my opinion, I am sure the device has aready undergone many stringent tests to satisfy any possible safety concerns.

However, as with any introductory product, it is often the case that it does not work as well as you would like it to, therefore, the days of the laborious task of keying in passwords may not yet be over.

We will have to see what price they set for it. The product has a good deal of novelty value.

You can find more information on the product at Upek.