Windows Mobile Security Options
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Windows Mobile Security Options
Handheld security is often overlook, but always regretted it was when it is stolen or lost.
- What do you use for your security on you WM device?
- What do you like about it and what don't you like about it?
- What else are you looking for?
There is often a lot of confusion about how to protect your personal information on a Windows Mobile device. Here are several very popular options that may help you in your search for the perfect solution for your own personal requirements.
SignWise Professional
For my main security, I use SignWise Professional ver 2.52 . The official website is http://www.ebwfoto.com/ .
For the most part I really like it. I have handed my phone to several people, both savvy and ignorant about PPCs to see if they could figure how to log in either thru knowledge or simply dumb luck. Most of them never figured out that you had to use a signature to log in. And those that did had no way of knowing what and how to sign it......especially since I do not use my name as my login signature.
PROS
- It is unique enough to make most everyone at least pause if they were trying to get into your device.
- It is skinable, with several really nice free skins free to download and use.
- Can set how many wrong tries before the phone is locked.
- Can answer a call while logged out.
- You can then set how long it will be locked for. The options are None, 3 min, 5 min, 10 min, 30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, Head reset. (I haven't looked but I bet there is a reg hack to increase this time....like for 3 days! =)
- Prompt for signature login in after same set of intervals as in point above
- Assign a hardware key to automatically log you out.
- Sync PW
- Encrypt files with 128 bit encryption. Great for SD cards.
- SignWise Logout included which is a system turn-off, Logout, and soft-reset utility
CONS
- Have to use stylus to log in. This is not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I don't even notice in anymore.
- If a phone call comes in while logged out, you can answer it.......but then the title bar and menu become visible. I can browse the menu and even launch a program....but cannot access anything I launch until after signed in. this may be a factor that I am using Wisbar. I have not found this to be give access to anything yet, but I guess there is a chance this could be exploited beyond simply seeing what I listed in my menu.
- Cannot encrypt folder or the whole SD card
- Probably the most expensive login app for a WM device.
- Do not know if it works on square screen.
SKINS
Here is a sampling of some of the skins:
Links:
SignWise Standard $39.95: http://pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=12239
Signwise Pro $49.95: http://pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=9965
SignWise Logout FREE: http://pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=10157
OVERALL RATING
4 out of 5 stars
Here are some other security options that I have not used:
PicturePassword
It allows to personalize your PDA with custom full-screen pictures. Picture and button codes work simultaneously. Big clock, date and battery level are displayed on the lock screen.
http://www.picturepassword.com/
SignGate
A different signature log in app.
http://www.carrysafe.net/index.htm
visKey secures
your Pocket PC against unauthorized access and shows only a picture of your choice at system startup. Access is only granted, if you hit the correct spots in the correct order on this picture.
remotePROTECT (formerly known as PDAkill)
It allows users to send a predefined SMS message which will hard reset the PDA, deleting the user data (including the storage area and Storage Card which eliminates any files surviving the hard reset) returning the device to its original factory settings. The PDAKill package also gives the option NOT to delete the storage area and storage card. SIM change protection , if the SIM is changed then a message is sent to a predefined telephone number stating the IMSI and IMEI numbers.
PocketSecure
Traditional security login app with a nice looking interface:
http://www.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=18993
Splash ID
I use Splash ID on my Palm OS Treos and now on my WM devices for all of my personal account, i.e. credit cards, insurance info, etc.. needs.
- CC info including numbers to call if lost / stolen
- Travel Memberships: Frequent Flier Miles, Car Rental Priority, ect...
- Bank accounts info
- Insurance information and contact info
- Identification for all family members, i.e. Drivers License, SS#, etc..
- Memberships with all contact #: Timeshares, Costco, YMCA, etc...
- Account numbers and contact info for all bills: phone, water, gas, mortgage, etc...
- Passwords & Combinations: websites, storage unit code, etc...
I really do not see any cons with this program and have found it very useful like when I am traveling and realized that I forgot my Airlines FF#, or when my wife calls me and says the cashier at the store just dropped her CC in a crack in the counter is unable to get it out and needs to report the card stolen....np, looked up the phone number and CC number for her card and gave it to her on the spot.
I always keep the information in Storage on my phone so that it is never lost during a hard reset and cannot be taken if SD card is removed or stolen. I then encrypted the files with my main security program for extra protection.
LINK: http://www.splashdata.com/splashid/screens/ppc.htm
CONCLUSION
I certainly have found the perfect combination for myself, which may or may not suite your individual needs. Here is what I would personally recommend:
For my main security I use SignWise Professional. No matter what security program you use, everyone should have remotePROTECT in case someone steals your phone.
For my personal information, i.e. memberships, credit cards, insurance, etc.. I use Splash ID.
TREO CENTRAL DISCUSSION THREAD
Here is the Thread in the forums discussion this topic.
