macnn/electronista
07/01/2008, 4:45am, EDT
Tuesday, July 1stUniKey USB dongle, SDK authorize software
SecuTech Solution this week announced UniKey, a driverless USB security key that functions as a 'hardware version of a password'. Cheap enough to be supplied with new software, the USB dongle is designed to act as a 'key' to both the software EULA and provide user access. Aimed at reducing piracy rates, users of UniKey-enabled software that do not have the correct key plugged in, would be 'locked out' of the application.
Functionality for the USB key comes from the free UniKey specific SDK, through which developers can easily create a secure shell to ensure their software can only be accessed by a specific USB dongle. The system, however, can also be extended for use over the internet, with licenses sent over the internet and attached to a previously purchased UniKey.
Fully compatible with both Mac OS X, FreeBSD and Windows 98/XP/Vista, orders and free evaluation periods on all products can be arranged through the company's website.
Filed under: security, accessories
Other story tags: SDK, key
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Lost and found
How come people are still believing that hardware dongles help fight piracy? I can imagine having a keyring full of uniform looking USB stick that I have to drag around with my laptop... Come on, geniuses, you have to do better than that!?
Run Multiple Programs
I agree. Let's say you need to run 4 programs (Website designer, vector graphics, word processor, image editor) but have only 3 USB ports on your laptop? I think MOST users will find this unforgivable and go elsewhere.
It does have it's place on dedicated business workstations, however. If you have one computer that strictly for CAD or 3D rendering, and primarily has only one software program on it, this may prevent a company from ghosting it to other machines.