#heartid

IDhearted / HeartID

IDhearted / HeartID: A term for those who identify with something rather than as something. Shamelessly based off of otherhearted.

Right image is the cutout incase anyone wants it.

Windows Hello is a biometrics security system built into Windows 10 that can use facial recognition, fingerprint identification, a digital security key (a small USB device with an encrypted code installed on it), a HeartID wristband, and a HID Global Seos NFC card (like they use in hospitals). Most of these devices are readily available now. The problem is do you really need it, and which is best for you.

The PIN

Not a part of Windows Hello, but if you are looking for a way to quickly log into your computer Windows 10 allows for a 4 digit PIN code. Since Microsoft really wants a password on your account the 4 digit pic code is a good option for quickly unlocking your computer (I can enter my PIN in under 2 seconds which might be faster than many of the biometric devices).

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition does not work with just any web cam … you need an Intel RealSense 3D camera for this type of biometric identification. The only current 3rd party manufacturer of RealSense 3D cameras is manufactured Creative Labs (runs $200). Razer used to make a web cam called the Stargazer, but it appears they have ceased production on the Stargazer, and they no longer support it. You can also purchase a RealSense development kit from Intel for $290.00. Mouse technologies makes a $70 facial recognition camera that works with Windows Hello, and the reviews have mostly been favorable even though it lacks a mic for webcam functionality.

Fingerprint ID

There are tons of fingerprint ID based devices available. They all require you to either place a finger or thumb on the sensor pad, and the computer will unlock. These devices run between $20 and $200.

Digital Security Key

A digital security key is an encrypted USB device that you plug into your computer to log into it. I only know of a few of these devices from a company called Yubico. Their YubiKey comes in 3 main USB-A flavors a standard YubiKey, YubiKey Nano (a smaller tiny version) and Yubikey Neo which has NFC, and can be used to unlock a cell phone as well as a computer. There are also some basic versions that are manufactured by (or for) Fido (the organization made up of several companies that regulates these encryption and bio authentication technologies). These devices cost between $20 and $60. I am sure there are several of these from other companies, but I am only aware of the YubiKey devices.

HID Global Seos NFC cards

For NFC devices to work with Windows 10 you need a NFC tap reader that is FIDO certified, and NFC ID cards. Because of their big business nature I have no idea what these devices cost.

HeartID Wristband

A HeartId wristband is a device that measures your unique ECG (Electro Cardio Gram). Because your ECG is unique to you, and cannot be replicated. The Nymi band is in public beta, and is not yet available for purchase. Apparently all you have to do to use it as a Windows Hello based login device is wear it, and press the button on the band to log in. There is no estimated MSRP available for this device just yet.

So do you really need this type of security?