Security, Security, Security!

As the old saying goes, the three most important factors you need to consider when purchasing real estate arelocation, location, location! The three most important things to focus on as you get your Pocket PC or Smartphone up and running aresecurity, security, and security! Your Windows Mobile device is not only packed with sensitive personal information, it's much smaller than a laptop, making it easier to steal. You need to take steps to make sure your information is secure.

In this article, we'll look at an exciting accessory and several third-party software applications that will help you protect the information on your device. We'll also look at an interesting way to integrate your Pocket PC into your company's security systems.

Hide from prying eyes

Windows Mobile devices attract attention and sometimes, when I'm working on my Pocket PC, I feel like all eyes are on me. I don't mind it if I'm playing a game, but I can't let it happen when I'm reviewing sensitive information. The first step is to protect it from prying eyes.

The SOLOvision Security Screen from ttools LLC is actually two products in one. It looks like a traditional clear film overlay that adheres to your screen and protects it against scratches. But it also has a holographic image embedded in the film. The screen appears normal when viewed from the front (Fig. 1), but when you look at it from an angle, all you see is a holographic image blocking the information on the display (Fig. 2). The company is currently looking for distributors to promote the SOLOvision Security Screens and interested parties should visit the company's Web site (http://www.ttools.com) for more information.

Fig. 1: Viewed from the front, the SOLOvision Security Screen allows you to see the data on your display.

Fig. 2: Viewed from an angle, all you see is an embedded holographic image, which prevents your information from being seen by bystanders.

Password protection plus

Pocket PCs ship with a rather basic password protection system built in (Start > Settings > Password). You can also activate an option that displays your name, phone number, and other contact information every time you turn it on (Start > Settings > Owner Information). These options are not active by default, and to enable them you have to access separate setup screens. A few third-party solutions have emerged that will help safeguard your information and provide a little more pizzazz to your efforts.

Fig. 3: Sign-Gate allows you to access your Pocket PC via your signature

An interesting password alternative is Sign-Gate by Carrysafe LTD. Instead of using an alphanumeric password, Sign-Gate uses your signature to verify your identity (Fig. 3). In case the application has trouble recognizing your handwriting, you can enter a password as a failsafe back up. Sign-Gate is available in a Lite version ($19.95) and a full version ($39.95) that adds an option that will automatically hard reset your device after three invalid access attempts. You can purchase the software or download a free 15-day trial version from the Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine online software store (http://www.smartphonemag.com/swstore).If you install the 15-day trial, make sure you remove it before the trial period expires, or you'll be locked out of your device and have to do a hard reset.

Fig. 4: Nice Start adds a chart of your system resources, plus a clock and calendar to the password screen.