Summary of SIGNET HIGH-CAPACITY THUMB-DRIVE, YOUR LIBRE PERSONAL INFORMATION SECURITY MULTI-TOOL
Signet HC is a secure, open-hardware USB drive featuring 32 GB flash memory and two-factor authentication (FIDO U2F/FIDO2). It serves as an encrypted storage device, password manager, and personal information vault. Physical security is enforced via a button that must be pressed to execute commands, preventing malware attacks. The device includes a read-only client for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, supporting browser plugins for Chrome and Firefox. It offers various volume types including one-time-use and physically-secured partitions.
Parts used in the Signet HC:
- 32 GB embedded flash memory
- Microcontroller with internal flash memory
- Physical action button
- Cross-platform client application
- FIDO U2F protocol support
- FIDO2 protocol support
- Browser plugins for Firefox
- Browser plugins for Chrome
Signet HC is a secure USB drive built with open-hardware and free open-source software. It is an encrypted flash drive, a two-factor authentication (2FA) device and a hardware password and personal information manager, making it a portable solution to a variety of data security problems.
Signet HC is physically secured, it requires a user taking physical action (press a button on the device) to enable sensitive commands to be executed, the button flashes blue when any sensitive command is sent to the device. Physical security blocks malicious software from executing commands on the device. Signet HC’s encrypted data is password protected and can be unlocked through its cross-platform client application (available on Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, and Android). The client software is stored on the device in a read-only partition, enabling the user to use it without downloading software.
Signet HC’s Two-factor authentication requires a secure device present in order to log in to a website or complete a key transaction. Two-factor authentication also compensates for weak or compromised passwords. Signet HC implements the FIDO U2F and FIDO2 two-factor authentication protocols utilized by a number of popular websites. Once Signet HC has been paired with a compatible website, a users can complete their login or transaction by pressing the device button when its light flashes. Signet HC can also be configured to disable two-factor authentication features until the device is unlocked. This provides additional security for the device.
Signet HC can contain several types of storage volumes in its embedded 32 GB flash memory, with each suited to different purposes. They include :
- Read-only volumes,
- Read-only volumes, One-time-use volumes,
- Physically-secured volumes, and
- Unencrypted volumes.
Signet HC implements password management features. This is done by storing a password database in an encrypted format inside its microcontroller’s internal flash memory. Once the device is unlocked you can view the data directly in the client and copy to the clipboard. The client supports browser plugins for Firefox and Chrome that can fill in data such as login and password information on text forms. The client can also forward the data to the device’s USB keyboard interface to type data directly into another application.
Signet HC’s function is not limited to storing information about account passwords. It also has a flexible database structure that enables a user to create new data types and to add fields to individual entries for notes and associated data. This enables you to safely store any data you wish to keep off the cloud.
Read more: SIGNET HIGH-CAPACITY THUMB-DRIVE, YOUR LIBRE PERSONAL INFORMATION SECURITY MULTI-TOOL
- How does physical security work on the Signet HC?
The device requires a user to press a button to enable sensitive commands, which prevents malicious software from executing actions. - Can I use the Signet HC without downloading software?
Yes, the client software is stored on the device in a read-only partition so users can run it directly from the drive. - What operating systems are supported by the client application?
The client is available for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, and Android. - Does the Signet HC support standard two-factor authentication protocols?
It implements FIDO U2F and FIDO2 protocols used by many popular websites. - How can the device protect against weak passwords?
Two-factor authentication compensates for weak or compromised passwords by requiring the physical device presence. - What types of storage volumes are available on the device?
It supports read-only volumes, one-time-use volumes, physically-secured volumes, and unencrypted volumes. - How does the password manager fill data into forms?
The client supports browser plugins for Firefox and Chrome that automatically fill login and password information. - Can the device type data directly into applications?
Yes, the client can forward data to the device's USB keyboard interface to type information directly.
