lock hard disk access

  • Thread starter Thread starter Will
  • Start date Start date
W

Will

I've heard of a program which will ask for a password before windows boots
up. If after three attempts the user fails to enter the correct password the
harddrive is erased.
It is used by companies to protect data in the event of computer or hard
disk theft.
Anyone heard of it?
 
I don't think that's what I'm after.

The article is about destroying pirate downloader's computers.
I'm after a freeware computer anti-theft password protection.
 
I've heard of a program which will ask for a password before
windows boots up. If after three attempts the user fails to enter
the correct password the harddrive is erased.
It is used by companies to protect data in the event of computer
or hard disk theft.
Anyone heard of it?
Click to expand...

Not exactly what you are looking for but you might be able to make
use of it any way-

Dead Man's Switch

This application was sparked by an Ars OpenForum thread about what
would happen if one of us were to shuffle off to that Great
Motherboard in the Sky. Software which would act as a proverbial
"Dead Man's Switch" came up, which is basically a system that, if not
reset by a given time, will automatically carry out a series of
tasks, such as posting messages to websites like Ars, sending e-mails
to loved ones (or hated ones), and encrypting or destroying sensitive
files (*cough* pr0n *cough*). Interest was expressed for the creation
of such software, and well, here it is.

http://daisyman.arsware.org/dms/

But some who have used the program advise caution.

"I went on vacation, and forgot all about the switch," said Kenny
LaGuardia, a Web designer from Los Angeles. "When I returned home,
the program had posted, 'So I guess I'm dead' messages to all the
newslists I subscribe to, and destroyed all my adult entertainment
files."
 
I've heard of a program which will ask for a password before windows
boots up. If after three attempts the user fails to enter the correct
password the harddrive is erased.
It is used by companies to protect data in the event of computer or
hard disk theft.
Anyone heard of it?
Click to expand...

Not 'Freeware' but payware --- Privacy Master 3.9 $29.95

http://www.asystem.com/html/privacymaker.html or tucows
or the commercial arm
http://www.webroot.com/wb/products/privacymaster/index.php

Some features...

Protects you from thieves and unauthorized users

Lock out all keyboard and mouse input, sound an alarm, or completely
erase certain files if anyone unauthorized attempts to access your
protected data.

Encryption protects you from hackers

One click hides, locks and encrypts any file or folder on your computer
you set the level of security for each individual file or folder.

I was going to try it but then the kids got a computer so didnt need the
features.

S
Not used it and not associated with it.
 
Sounds good, although a bit morbid.
I never thought about how I would get rid of personal files after I'm dead.
I'm just basically concerned that someone may lift or swap my laptop at
work. Encrypting is a good idea and would be better than erasing files if it
is secure and can be reversed by the original owner.

______________________________
 
Will said:
I've heard of a program which will ask for a password before windows boots
up.
Click to expand...

Three pretty good ones in order of my personal preference

Password Lock v1.05 (small, easy & efficient)
http://www.passlock.host.sk/#about

DesktopShield 2000 (huge download, but does the job)
http://www.webmasterfree.com/shield.html

SecureIt Pro V4.70.0117 (has the most features, but lacks a key option
- the ability to disable the boot menu)
http://members.optusnet.com.au/quantrixnet/products/secureitpro.htm

Also see

ABC Security Protector 5.0 (for disabling boot memu)
http://www.softheap.com/nomsdos.html

BIOS System Boot password
http://www.softstack.com/password/password.html

hth

blue
 
Dead Man's Switch

"I went on vacation, and forgot all about the switch," said Kenny
LaGuardia, a Web designer from Los Angeles. "When I returned home,
the program had posted, 'So I guess I'm dead' messages to all the
newslists I subscribe to, and destroyed all my adult entertainment
files."
Click to expand...

LOL
Sound like a neat program.
 
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