Appletell reviews Rohos Logon Key for Mac OS X

Genre: Security
Format: Download
Developer: Rohos
Minimum System Requirements: Mac OS X v10.4
Review Computer: 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo aluminum MacBook Pro, 4GB DDR3 memory
Processor Compatibility: Universal
Price: $32.00
Availability: Out now
Demo: 15 day trial (.zip)

Rohos Logon Key allows you to turn any USB drive into a security key for your Mac. Using either the USB port, Bluetooth, Yubikey, or Touchatag, you can make sure your Mac is secured on a hardware level instead of just with a password. In fact, this application allows for two part security by allowing you to also add a PIN to the USB keys you create, meaning the user must have both your hardware key and software identification number.

When you launch the application, you are presented with the screen above. Here, you can turn Logon Key on or off, choose your USB device, or alter preferences (below). The options in the preferences pane are pretty self explanatory based on what it says next to each check box. However, in the “View” tab you can also choose to change the icon and text that are presented when you machine is locked. Otherwise, when the key you have turned on isn’t present, the machine has a simple message with the Rohos logo and text “Insert USB Key” when locked.

To add a key, you use the preferences to select which type of key you will be using, USB, Bluetooth, Yubikey, or Touchatag. Once you do this, you select “Choose USB Key device…” in the main window. Based on the type you chose, it will search for them and present them in a list. Once you select the device you want, you see an interface window like the one below. The options for removal include lock the desktop, log out, sleep, shut down, or no action. Also, you can add an optional PIN to associate with the key.

Interestingly enough (and probably a good thing), Logon Key doesn’t activate when you drag a USB device to the trash but rather once it is physically removed. The time between removal and activation of the lock screen is mere seconds. Furthermore, the same is true when the key is put back into your machine, even if it’s asleep. You are also able to use a Bluetooth enabled phone. In this case, Logon Key activates if the device goes out of range and will deactivate once the device comes in range again. However, I wasn’t able to get this working fully with my iPhone as my Mac wasn’t able to pair with it (although Logon Key did find it).

A nice touch included with this application is that it the USB key can also be used at the login screen of your Mac instead of typing in a password.

All in all, I love how simple yet functional this application is. While I can’t really say if it will keep a high level hacker (I don’t have access to one of those), it will certainly add an extra layer of security to your machine that most people won’t be able to get past. That said, there is one major thing that concerns me with this application—simply forcing a machine reboot by holding the power button will void the requirement to plug in the USB key and allow users to simply use their password again. If it is meant for hardcore security, a workaround such as this shouldn’t be present. Still, it works in every other way, which is nice.

Appletell Rating:

Buy Rohos Logon Key for Mac

Follow Josh on: