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Increasing reliance on computers in different walks of life means that computer security has emerged a major factor not only in research and businesses, but also among individual users. While there are in-built protection measures that allow users to lock their computers using long and complex passwords, it becomes rather difficult to remember the complicated passwords, especially for people who often have to lock their systems when they go out even for a coffee break or lunch. This is where software such as Rohos Logon Key prove to be useful.
WHAT IS IT AND WHAT DOES IT DO
Main functionality
Rohos Logon Key is an authentication application that configures a USB flash drive as a login card by storing the system password on the drive. You can then unlock or log into your system by simply plugging the USB drive into a USB slot. Take note that Rohos Logon Key replaces default Windows lock functionality with its own.
Pros
- Converts your USB drive into login card
- No need to remember complex passwords — just connect drive to login
- Easy to understand user interface
Cons
- Does not allow option to log off or lock the system when the USB drive is pulled out
- No emergency logon facility in case of lost or corrupted USB drive in the free version
Discussion
Rohos Logon Key is a very useful application for those who store sensitive information on their systems and have to regularly move away from their workstations while working. It works by configuring the password on your USB drive, which can then be used as a logon card to log into your system — simply connect the drive to your computer and you are logged on.
Once you install the application, you will be asked to set up the USB key by plugging in the USB drive and clicking on Setup USB Key. After entering your user login password, you can complete the process and store it on the USB drive by clicking Setup USB Key button. You can then use the USB drive to log into your account the next time you want to access your computer. You can also disable the feature by simply clicking on Disable Key option to restore the default setting.
While Rohos Logon Key is a very useful application to have, the free version of the software is not as effective as the paid version. More specifically, there is no Emergency Logon facility that allows users to bypass the USB key in case the data is corrupted. The paid version also allows users to specify what they want the application to do once the USB drive is pulled out (for example lock or shut down the system), a feature that is missing in the free version. The paid version also has two-factory authentication.
Another thing I found annoying is there is no option to change the login password through the application. Another issue to note is pulling out the drive does not automatically lock your workstation; you still need to manually lock it before walking away. If Rohos Logon Key had the ability to automatically lock, that would make this application perfect.
Conclusion and Download Link
Rohos Logon Key is a useful application that provides basic security to your system without the need to remember complex passwords; you can set complex passwords but you don’t have to remember them. However, the absence of he ability to automatically lock the system by removing the USB drive, means that there are better alternatives (such as Predator) available on the internet. Still, though, Rohos Logon Key is an option if the alternatives don’t work for you.
Price: Free
Version Reviewed: v2.9
Supported OS: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7
Download Size: 2.18MB
VirusTotal Malware Scan Results: 0/43
Portability: Installation Required
[via AddictiveTips]
