Predator is a free tool that turns any USB flash drive into a key that you can use to lock or unlock your PC, preventing other people from gaining access to your computer in your absence.
Using Predator to protect your computer is both simple and fast. Just insert the drive you want to use and enter a password. Once it is running, use your PC as normal and then simply unplug the drive to lock it. Once it is removed, the keyboard and mouse are disabled and the screen darkens. No one will be able to use your computer. To unlock it, just reinsert the drive and keyboard and mouse are immediately released, and the display is restored.
It’s easier and faster than closing your Windows session, since you do not have to retype your password when you return.
Predator has some advanced features too to add to the security.
- It records all security-related events in a log file: start, alarms, stop, so you will know if anyone has been trying to access your computer while you were away.
- It frequently changes the security codes recorded on your USB drive. If an intruder manages to copy your stick, this copy will not work because the codes on your own stick will have changed in the meantime.
- It disables the Windows task manager when you unplug the USB drive. Nobody can stop it with Ctrl-Alt-Del.
- What if lock your computer and you lose your flash drive? When you start the software for the first time, you set a password that will unlock your session if your USB drive is not available.
- It can sound an audible alarm if somebody enters an invalid password.
- It can protect several PCs with the same USB flash drive, e.g. your home and office computers.
You May Also Be Interested In...
- Create a password protected folder without any special software
- Pitaschio – Add lots of useful Windows tweaks
- A simple idea to protect your flash drive & data
- How to add a Map Drive Button to the Toolbar
- Windows in a Box – Keep every Windows settings within reach
- Automatically add shortcuts to your removable media on the desktop
- Lost your Windows password? Here’s what you can do to get around.
- Where can I find portable applications for my flash drive?
Subscribe Now
If you enjoyed this post, you will definitely enjoy our others. Subscribe to the feed to get future posts delivered right to your mailbox or feedreader.
Powered by Thesis
An amazing WordPress Theme, nothing beats the versatility and SEO friendliness of the Thesis framework.
From beginners, to the most advanced WordPress developers, Thesis makes it easy for anyone to customize it.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This type of software leaves people with a false sense of security. Any XP, 2003, 98, Vista or Win 7 machine can be compromised very easily.
If I have direct access to a a PC without the owner being present, I can boot using a special linux boot disk with tools to create an account and gain access.
Like I said, this type of software makes you think you are safe….
Well, most machines coul be compromised if they gain physical access, be it Windows, Linux or Mac. For a security-aware computer user, console locking is only one safety measure among many others, like file-system encryption. Use Predator and it’ll be much harder to install a keylogger or to copy your data while you left your session opened. Use TrueCrypt to encrypt your disks and your USB sticks and it’ll be much harder to steal your files, even having physical access to your computer. Use SFTP and SSL to access remote resources and it’ll be much harder to steal your data on the network. Security must be managed globally.