NC8430 security

I am thinking of buying an 8430 notebook and place value on security features which will (a) allow encryption of files so that they cannot be read if the laptop is stolen and (b) allow logging in to secure sites without having to type in passwords which can be captured by keyloggers.

Is there an experienced and security-minded HP8430 user on this forum who can tell me (a) how the fingerprint reader and/or smart card accessories function and (b) what the HP Credentials Manager and HP ProtectTools Security Manager do ? Do these devices and software allow entry of passwords in a way that circumvents keyloggers ?

I've been trying to find answers to these questions on the HP site without success.

 

While I don't use all the security features, I do know that the FingerPrint reader works with your HP ProtectTools program to store passwords. Swipe the finger, it inserts the password.

HP ProtectTools is basically a program that works as a password manager (with and without FingerPrint Reader & Smart Cards) for internet and domain use, BIOS manager (to allow you to shut off specific ports and configure the notebook the way you want), and a login manager (instead of typing a password at Windows logon you swipe a finger, use a smart card, or a combination of the two).

I'm not sure if that would bypass a keylogger, but since you aren't actually typing it on the physical keyboard it might actually work. I'm going to hazard a guess that a keylogger installs on the keyboard driver here.

However, if you have a good security suite (Anti-Virus, Firewall, Anti-Spam) you will probably be able to prevent a keylogger from installing anyway.

I'm not too experienced with it, but I thought I'd give you my $0.02.

 

I have ZAPro, Kaspersky AV and various spyware scanners but would like another line of defence against keyloggers just in case the hackers get one step ahead of the security vendors.

What do you see as the advantages of the fingerprint reader over the smart card (or vice versa) ?

 

You can't loose what the FingerPrint reader needs...unless you work in a shop

 

Yep.. hard to lose a finger, compared to a "smart card".


I have a related question, just purchased a RB526UT#ABA Compaq nx6325, with the HP Biometric Fingerprint Sensor .... and with the "stock" OS load made a copy of the C:SwSetup folder to an external hard drive... Didn't think any "security" features were turned on... Did NOT enable any security features, or turn on the HP Biometric Fingerprint Sensor.

Well the problem is that every time I try to access the folder on the external hard drive unit that has had the content of the folder created with the other /stock OS load, I can't. It saying XYZ, blah,blah (folder name) is not accessible. Below it saying "Access is denied." Can't even delete the stupid folder... (besides maybe doing a reformat of the drive)

Luckliy I have the orginal hd (I upgraded to a120gig, installing the new OS on it ) so I "guess" I will be able to "re-install" the old drive and go digging around to see what "feature' is causing this, but does anyone have any experiance, had this problem before?


Reference links:
http://www.notebookforums.com/thread176205.html

HOT DEAL !!!! $500 after $100 HP mail in rebate. This unit being priced normally at $975

RB526UT#ABA Compaq nx6325 Notebook AMD Mobile Sempron 3400+ 1.8GHz -

15 inch screen
Magnesium alloy frames and display enclosures
HP Spill-resistant keyboard
HP Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
TPM 1.2 Embedded Security Chip
512 MB (667 MHz) DDR2 SDRAM (1 DIMM)
Note: Max RAM maximum 4GB
ATI Radeon Xpress 1150 (33% faster than a Xpress 200m), not good for "games"... but you get:
4-hours of battery life, up to 16 hours with the high cap battery.