The founder and former CEO of McAffee Antivirus has developed his latest security product, ‘EveryKey’- a bluetooth security dongle that can unlock all password protected devices, including phones laptop, tablets….and even potentially your car or the front door of your house.
The service aims to cut out the traditional user/password combination by using a small Bluetooth dongle which users can carry around or slip on a key-ring).
When a user is near a device with EveryKey software, it automatically unlocks the hardware.
When they walk away and the EveryKey is out of proximity, the hardware is automatically locked again.
John McAfee has launched an Indiegogo campaign to fund production for Everykey, which will end on January 10, 2016.
“When our team first conceptualized Everykey, security was a top priority,” McAfee comments. “That’s why we’ve built in military grade encryption and safety features like the ability to remotely freeze your Everykey if it’s lost or stolen.”
Everykey stores a password keychain, which can be used to log the user into their website accounts when they are within range of one of their devices.
In addition, users have the option to accessorize with the Band or Key Ring Accessories. The
accessory options enable versatility, allowing for Everykey to fit each user’s unique lifestyle.
“When we looked at the access control industry, we saw an outdated and insecure system. We wanted to build something that was more personal and convenient. Instead of carrying a bulky keychain and remembering a list of passwords, we want your access control to be something you don’t have to think about. That was our dream back when this was just a school project, and we’re making it a reality with Everykey!” Everykey CEO Chris Wentz comments.
Since the funding campaign launched, it has more than trebled its funding goal on Indiegogo, hitting over $66,000 (around £45,000).
If a ser loses their EveryKey they can remotely disable it. Furthermore, passwords aren’t actually stored on the EveryKey itself, but rather in encrypted form on each device. When EveryKey transmits data to identify itself and unlock your devices, it boasts AES 128-bit encryption, and uses a spoof prevention system to prevent hackers from tapping into a message and rebroadcasting it in an attempt to crack into a piece of hardware.
Customers can currently order McAfee’s gadget for $128 (around £85, or AU$175) on Indiegogo not including shipping, with the delivery date currently set at March 2016.