USB memory sticks are a dime a dozen at the moment; they are cheap, and easily available. So, why then would you pay $99 for a 256Mb device like the Kanguru Biometric USB drive?
The selling point of the drive is that it will keep your data secure by using a built in fingerprint reader, and uses the fingerprint to encrypt the data stored on the flash disk.
First up let's look at the specs for the device:
- 256MB - 4GB internal storage (device reviewed is the 256MB version).
- Can store up to 5 fingerprints.
- Write Protection Switch.
- Can be used on any user level; You don’t have to be the Administrator on the PC to use it.
- The security application runs entirely from the Bio Drive so you never have to install software on any computer.
- Software is preloaded and ready to go out of the box.
- Optional password recovery.
- User friendly setup.
- High Speed USB2.0 Interface.
- Top grade fingerprint sensor-508 DPI.
- Windows 98/ME/2000/XP compatible.
- Read Speed 8MB/s.
- Write Speed 7MB/s.
- Sensor type Capacity Area Sensor (236x192 pixels).
But enough of the techie stuff, the question is "does it work"? To be honest, I was expecting the device to not work; I use Vista as my day-to-day OS. The good news is that Vista has the drivers included, so I shouldn't have worried.
Once the device is installed in Windows, two new drives present themselves to the operating system. One of these is, by default, inaccessible. The other contains the software that allows access, via your fingerprint, to the contents of the device.
On the first run of the software you're asked to go through the setup routine for the device. This is simple in itself. You are first asked for the device serial number, this is in the box for the device.
After you put the serial number in, the system will ask you to "Enroll". This is the process by which the device learns your fingerprints.
Simply select a finger to scan, then run your finger over the sensor a few times and the device will tell you that it has learned that print.
Article comments
1 - Ron Mertens
It's indeed funny without a U3 software. It's starting to be common-place.
Ron.
2 - Mark S
It's always worth remembering that biometrics is only good as identity - there are no secrets at work here so it'll be easy to find ways round the device.
A fingerprint is just like a username, not a password. Not convinced, watch the
Mythbusters get into a fingerprint reader protected door. It would be better if the device required both your fingerprint (something you are) combined with a PIN or password (something you know) - then it becomes a secure device.
3 - Ashleigh
Agreed!
4 - Paw
Can you test this USb drive with Rohos Logon? it alows to reuse these Fingerprint USB drives for biometric logon. I'm going to switch to kangu, but want to know if its compatible?