Keeping your computer safe is always a top priority for students, government officials and nine-to-fivers paranoid about losing their tech investment, or worse – face a security breach. Thanks to a new product from University of Maryland-based CoolCAD Electronics LLC, though, you may not have to worry about your computer's well-being any more.
The startup from College Park just launched a 30-day Kickstarter campaign for its new GateKeeper Chain security product, a trendy-looking little key fob that automatically locks your computer when you leave. Then, once you return, it unlocks.
The patent-pending knickknack operates with a proximity sensor for your PC, working over Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology. It's personalized with an encrypted connection that allows only your unique key to unlock your device. The password is encrypted as well and stored on your personal computer, ensuring that no one can steal it – an effortless secure solution.
"Our goal is provide people who use computers with optimal security and convenience," Dr. Siddharth Potbhare, cofounder of CoolCAD said in a press release. The electrical and computer engineering graduate added, "It's easy to forget to lock your computer when you leave your desk, and it's a chore to log back in when you get back. GateKeeper takes care of both."
In case you're still not sold on the concept, there's a free companion app that allows you to track and find your GateKeeper Chain with a Bluetooth 4.0 enabled smartphone, too. There's a find mode (a clear take on the Find My iPhone app) and an alert mode, so you have the option to be pinged whenever you move away from a GateKeeper Chain. Yes, that does mean you'll be warned when you leave your keys behind for all you forgetful folks out there (I'm talking to you, mom!).
Funding from GateKeeper Chain's Kickstarter campaign will go toward a 200-unit pilot production run, which will be used to help obtain FCC certification and conduct reliability testing and failure analysis tests.
Backers will receive rewards for their loyalty, including the opportunity to tour CoolCAD's laboratory, access to pre-production-run prototypes, up to 50 hours of one-on-one consulting to create your very own product and custom gold or silver key fobs.
With a Kickstarter goal of $12,000, it seems as if CoolCAD will have no problem getting funded. Still 27 days to go, the company from UMD already has $7,733 to boast of to date. If you wish to help them out, know that you have until March 20 to make their dream a reality.
Featured Image and Video via GateKeeper Chain's Kickstarter
