Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site wdl1.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!mhuxn!mhuxj!mhuxr!ulysses!allegra!bellcore!decvax!tektronix!hplabs!hpda!fortune!wdl1!jbn From: jbn@wdl1.UUCP Newsgroups: net.unix-wizards Subject: Re: Is this a pipe, fstat(), and seeking Message-ID: <314@wdl1.UUCP> Date: Mon, 4-Mar-85 23:24:28 EST Article-I.D.: wdl1.314 Posted: Mon Mar 4 23:24:28 1985 Date-Received: Sat, 9-Mar-85 08:47:15 EST Sender: notes@wdl1.UUCP Organization: Ford Aerospace, Western Development Laboratories Lines: 23 Nf-ID: #R:stl:-12900:wdl1:17100066:000:1374 Nf-From: wdl1!jbn Mar 4 18:57:00 1985 A new device for implementing login security has just been introduced by Gordian System, Inc. (3512 West Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303, 415-494-8414). They offer an IFF (identify-friend-foe) type device. This is not a new idea, but Gordian is the first to build a really cheap one. They make a gadget about the size and shape of a domino, which contains a 6 digit LCD display, a photocell, a microprocessor, and a battery. When logging in, the user gets the message ``Hold your key up to the flashing area below until the key continuously displays a password''. The key READS BAR CODE from the user's terminal, runs the data through an algorithm in the user's hand-held key device, and displays a number. The user types in the number and if the number is accepted is then logged in. This thing is about $50 in quantity 100, and drops to $10 or so in large (thousands) quantities. For $15,000, you get 100 keys, a ``key-cutting'' machine, host software (in source form) and technical assistance setting the security system up. No extra charge for multiple hosts using the same host software; they make their money on the keys. I haven't actually seen this yet, but the salesman wants to come over and show it to me. I don't know how good the algorithms are from a security standpoint, but the basic concept is sound in theory. John Nagle