Protects Computers and Data from Identity Thieves

Having trouble remembering all your passwords? Safely store your passwords, take them wherever you go, and lock up your computer whenever you leave with CHIPDRIVE MyKey, a new easy-to-use smart card USB stick from SCM Microsystems. So small it fits in your pocket, it combines a portable, encrypted and PIN-protected password manager with a Microsoft® Windows® access lock to prevent prying eyes and identity thieves from accessing your PC or laptop and its data. CHIPDRIVE MyKey is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP and 2000. Available in Europe for more than a year, it is now available in the U.S. for a suggested price of $29.99 from leading online retailers including Amazon, Buy.com, CompuPlus, eCost, Staples and others.

“Identity theft has been the number one source of consumer fraud complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the last seven years, and more than 50 percent of identity theft is the result of thieves accessing personal information and data stored on a computer,” said David Holmes, vice president and general manager, SCM Americas. “CHIPDRIVE MyKey’s Password Manager lets you take your most confidential bank or investment account passwords and other sensitive information out of the PC and securely store them on a smart card chip, where they are encrypted and PIN-protected and not vulnerable to any malware that might infect your PC.”

Remembering all of your passwords is another big problem everyone faces. What is worse is the common practice of using the same password for multiple sites. MyKey solves password problems by providing a convenient, portable password manager that you can use from any computer – at home, at work, or at a friend’s – so you don’t have to memorize the passwords for all the Web sites you access.

In addition, another feature called Computer Lock gives you a hassle-free way to protect your sensitive information when you are away from your computer. Just unplug your MyKey and it locks your desktop; no one can access your PC without it, even if they know your password.

The company behind CHIPDRIVE MyKey, SCM Microsystems, is already a leading provider of smart card-based security solutions in the United States, and has shipped more than two million devices to the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal government agencies. In 2009, global growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan recognized SCM for this success with the North American Smart Card Readers Market Leadership Award.

How It Works

CHIPDRIVE MyKey is extremely simple for consumers to install and use in three easy steps.

1. Install SCM’s software from the CD-ROM
2. Insert the smart card chip into the USB device, and then plug it into any spare USB slot
3. Log on to the computer

The foundation of MyKey is a super-secure smart card inside the USB stick. The same size as a mobile phone SIM, the smart card contains a microprocessor and special security software. Smart card technology already protects billions of people every day as they use their mobile phones and EMV or contactless bankcards. All U.S. federal government employees, including every branch of the Armed Forces, have smart card technology built into their ID credentials, and the U.S. and other countries use smart card technology in electronic passports.

CHIPDRIVE MyKey’s Password Manager stores usernames and passwords on the smart card chip. MyKey encrypts the information and requires a PIN to access it, so if you lose your MyKey your information is safe. Login dialogs are answered easily without drag and drop, and new login and Web site information is easily added.

Computer Lock works as an access lock for Microsoft Windows-based PCs and laptops to fully protect the computer and its data whenever it is not in use by its owner. To use MyKey to login to Windows, simply plug it into any spare USB slot, enter your four-digit PIN, and you can log onto your computer and access data instantly. When you remove MyKey from the USB slot, the PC automatically enters a “locked” mode where the computer cannot be used, and data cannot be accessed. MyKey is especially useful for notebook users, as it prevents access to all data even if the computer is lost or stolen.

In addition, it provides these convenient and secure features:
Form Fill: store your personal information (e.g., name, address, phone number) and use it to automatically fill in Web forms anytime you are online, such as shopping, booking travel and registering at new Web sites

Address Book: store your favorite Internet bookmarks and take them with you wherever you go

Notepad: encrypt and store personal notes to keep them confidential and protected from unauthorized access

CHIPDRIVE MyKey comes complete with the USB stick, a SIM-sized smart card, software and a user guide on a CD-ROM. A video demo is available at YouTube, and you can order the CHIPDRIVE MyKey password manager and password software online. Source: www.chipdrive.net


MCCI grows SuperSpeed USB 3.0 software products

  • Author: USB World
  • Filed under: USB News
  • Date: Mar 30,2010

New products to be demonstrated at shows in Taipei and San Jose

MCCI Corporation is demonstrating a full palette of SuperSpeed USB 3.0 products this week. Two events showcase MCCI’s leading-edge USB 3.0 development – the USB-IF SuperSpeed DevCon in Taipei, Taiwan, April 1-2 and the Synopsys Users Group (SNUG) Exhibition on March 30 in San Jose, California.

Highlighting the demonstrations are the MCCI USB 3.0 embedded device stack and the MCCI xHCI Host Stack for Windows XP to Windows 7. With these products, MCCI is pleased to announce support for the USB Attached SCSI (UAS) protocol on both the host and device sides. UAS promises to improve performance of mass storage devices to take full advantage of the USB 3.0 architecture.

Product developers will also benefit from two new tools created by MCCI. First, the USB 3.0 Connection Exerciser allows programmable attach/detach of a USB Device Under Test. Connection time can be controlled down to 10ms to help trigger and identify difficult-to-find timing errors in the USB subsystem. Second, the MCCI Mass Storage Class Device Verification Tool (MSCDVT) is a Windows application for testing device response to all mandatory BOTP and UASP commands. A script language allows repeated or modified command sequences and responses to be analyzed.

“MCCI is striving to make SuperSpeed USB 3.0 products more accessible to end users,” explains Terry Moore, MCCI CEO. “The emerging USB 3.0 market is now ramping up but needs a wider variety of platform solutions for true mass market status. Our products not only accelerate the market, but do so while reducing risk for product developers. Over 700 million products attest to the quality we build into our solutions.”


New Device Features NI InstantDAQ Technology that Automatically Loads Built-In Measurement Software

National Instruments announced the NI USB-TC01, a USB data acquisition (DAQ) device that measures and records temperature data from a thermocouple. The new device combines a quick and easy plug-and-play setup with the high-quality capabilities and features of NI DAQ products. The USB-TC01 thermocouple measurement device features NI InstantDAQ technology, which helps customers to instantly take temperature measurements with no setup time or driver software installation. Additionally, the USB-TC01 features a standard miniplug connector that helps customers use different thermocouples to meet their specific application needs. Priced at $99 USD, the USB-TC01 is ideal for all types of labs and adds convenience to making temperature measurements.

Readers can see a demonstration of the USB-TC01 by viewing the video “NI USB-TC01 with NI InstantDAQ Technology” on www.ni.com/usb-thermocouple.

The new USB-TC01 device offers instant setup for a wide breadth of temperature applications for use in scientific labs; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) units; cryogenics; industrial ovens and furnaces; engine exhaust and combustion systems; building monitoring; and many other environments. In addition to saving time and resources in system setup, the new device also exhibits the overall accuracy and reliability of more complex measurement systems. With traditional stand-alone data loggers, measurements are made independently of the PC so data can only be viewed offline. The USB-TC01 is always connected to the PC so customers can take live measurements and view results displayed instantly on the PC monitor.

Customers also have the option to expand upon the basic functionality of the USB-TC01 by downloading additional, free ready-to-run applications from www.ni.com. For further customization, customers can build their own applications by combining the USB-TC01 with NI LabVIEW graphical system design software and NI-DAQmx driver software.

For more information on the USB-TC01 thermocouple measurement device, readers can visit www.ni.com/usb-thermocouple. Additionally, the “Advantages of PC-Based Data Logging” whitepaper, located on the NI Developer Zone on www.ni.com, provides readers information on advantages of using a PC to take measurements.


Health Canada has approved Bayer’s CONTOUR® USB, the first and only blood glucose meter with built-in USB technology that can be plugged directly into a computer, allowing for instant access to blood glucose monitoring results.

“Patients have traditionally relied on log books to help keep track of their blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Amish Parikh, Endocrinologist, Trillium Health Centre. “Bayer’s CONTOUR USB meter is a tool that effectively allows patients to store, access and interpret these readings.  Patients can now easily identify important blood sugar issues.  This helps them to adjust their insulin and pills thereby avoiding dangerously high and low blood sugar levels.”

Plug & Play Diabetes Management

For people with diabetes who use insulin, effective diabetes management includes checking blood glucose levels with a blood glucose meter numerous times a day.  The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends that people with type 1 diabetes check at least three times a day, and those with type 2 diabetes on an oral medication or insulin check at least once a day.

“Healthcare professionals encourage people to keep track of their blood glucose levels,” said Dr. Parikh.  “The volume of information available can be overwhelming.  Patients may find it difficult to make the connection between their results and how they can better manage their diabetes.  Bayer’s CONTOUR USB will help patients and healthcare professionals to better interpret results.”

People with diabetes can plug in and instantly access information about trends and patterns in their blood glucose levels with the integrated Glucofacts® DELUXE software.  Bayer’s CONTOUR USB is as simple to use as any standard blood glucose meter.  The meter stores up to 2,000 test results, which patients can access on any computer, whether at home, at the doctor’s office, or on the go with their laptop.

“Technology is all about making people’s lives easier, so it’s great to see it being applied for the benefit of people living with diabetes,” said Marc Saltzman, Technology Expert.  “Bayer’s CONTOUR USB includes many of the convenient and advanced features you might expect to find on many consumer devices.  With its slick, stylish and user-friendly design features, it’s a great fit for today’s busy, plugged-in lifestyle.”

Other CONTOUR USB Key Features

Simplify it – As easy to use as any standard meter, but with built-in technology that simplifies tracking and interpreting your results

See it - A bright colour OLED display screen visible in any light that flags average, high and low blood sugar readings

Customize it - Customizable features such as intuitive pre- and post-meal marking to help track blood glucose trends

Store it - Stores 2,000 blood glucose test results, plus 500MB extra memory for storage of personal files

Charge it - Rechargeable battery that can charge from any USB port or via the optional CONTOUR USB wall charger

Live it - Slick and discreet design features make it a great fit for your plugged-in lifestyle

Bayer’s CONTOUR USB meter is based on Bayer’s trusted CONTOUR system, providing the same easy accuracy, No Coding™ technology, no interference with maltose, galactose*, and oxygen and automatic correction for hematocrit** and common interfering substances (e.g. acetaminophen, ascorbic acid), as well as a 5-second test time and small (0.6 ?L) sample size – all helping to simplify the lives of people with diabetes. Bayer’s CONTOUR USB meter uses CONTOUR blood glucose test strips currently available for other CONTOUR meters.

Bayer’s CONTOUR USB will be available for purchase online at www.bayercontourusb.ca


Smart Charger Powers Two Devices at Once and Eliminates Wasted Vampire Power Draw

More than half of Americans leave their mobile device wall chargers plugged in 24/7, and 35 percent are unaware that their charger is still using electricity even if their cell phone is not attached, according to a study by Ventev Innovations, a manufacturer of wireless accessories that transform ordinary products into extraordinary innovations. To combat that loss of energy, also known as Vampire Power draw, as well as deliver a value-added charger, Ventev launched the EcoCHARGE wall charger - the most advanced, energy-efficient wall charger on the market.

“The EcoCHARGE is a game changer in the mobile device charger market – both on the energy conservation and innovation fronts,” said Jeff Lime, vice president of Ventev. “In addition to being Energy Star certified and exceeding the 5-Star efficiency rating, the EcoCHARGE charges two devices at one time, is packed with user friendly features like our power strip friendly design, and gives our customers the confidence to leave it plugged in by eliminating the Vampire Power draw concern when no device is connected, or when the device is fully charged.”

Ventev Innovations is a division of TESSCO Technologies, a value-added provider of the knowledge, products, and supply chain solutions needed to design, build, run, maintain, and use wireless systems. Ventev Innovations products embody exceptional design and functionality, creative performance and precision engineering. The Ventev Innovations division launched its first Ventev branded products in July 2008 and has continued its focus on new innovations and expanding its product line.

Source: TESSCO Technologies Incorporated





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