There are bluetooth screen lock utilities that allow one to auto-lock and unlock the machine based on the signal strength of whatever Bluetooth device you pair it with. I would look into the hands-free Bluetooth speakers (meant for auto use) with a Wheelchair power to USB convertor (most likely the easiest would be via an auto 12V DC adapter). That way you can have a mic/speaker mounted on the wheel chair to control the machine as well (if you don’t have a wireless mic already). Any Bluetooth device capable of being paired will work though. This will prevent someone going through your laptop while you are away. I actually have one I use on occasion at coffee shops called Bluetooth Screen Lock available on the App Store, but there are other free and low cost apps that do the same thing available. The on I use allows me to set the sensitivity so that it will lock after being about 6 feet or more away, and unlock when I am within that distance. I can also set it to lock at the maximum BT signal range as well.
Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?
81–90 of 172 posts
Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?
#82Earlier quoted context omitted.
My only issue with Bluetooth pairing is that iPhones are incredibly shiny, and carers work for minimum wage and the thought of not only my iPhone going walkies but it locking my laptop in the process… My head might actually explode :-)
Perhaps you should pay your carers better, so you can hire quality people.... You can also get a proximity alarm for your iPhone.
Why do you assume he pays the carers? For that matter, why do you assume he could afford to in the first place?
Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?
#83I'm out of my depth in more than one way here.
How about rigging a bite switch to the ubikey (either directly or via something like a raspberry pi / beagle bone). That's assuming that the only issue with the ubikey is you pressing the button.
Maybe (if it has an rpi) it needs a sequence. Bite. Pause. Bite bite. Pause. Bite. Etc.
I suspect you'd need someone to build it for you but I doubt there is a shortage of capable or willing people here. Sadly, my electronics skills are not up to it :(
I'm always impressed by people with accessibility issues using technology (or whatever is the correct term - sorry if that's at all offensive :( ). I've managed to make one of my apps a lot more useful to blind/partial sighted people after talking to a guy who can't see. It took me about 30 mins, and made the world of difference to him.
Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?
#84Earlier quoted context omitted.
He can type things using dictation and that would presumably let him log into the VM, his problem is that the dictation won't work for the OSX lock screen. The idea probably has some other practical problems though.
I don't see how that would make it harder. Audio surfing is easier than should surfing. Wonder if he could somehow get his one-button clicker to translate morse code into ascii. Then he really could log in in a fairly secure way.
I don't think he's trying to make it more secure, just trying to get a minimum level of security where he can open the laptop and input a password. Right now, the OP is unable to do that due to OSX not allowing any applications to run at the login screen.
Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?
#85Hi! I'm on the train with bad internet right now and so can't go looking but have you considered face recognition software using the laptops camera? There must be an app that takes a look at the webcam when a password challenge is presented. Anyone know of anything? Edit: Found one! https://www.keylemon.com/download-other-versions/
From what I've read a lot of them can be spoofed with either a printed picture, or a video playing back.
He said he's not looking for high level security. Just something basic to "keep honest people honest".
Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?
#86As Tyler E suggested:
"Wonder if he could somehow get his one-button clicker to translate morse code into ascii."
Use the Arduino Leonardo to send native keyboard key strokes into the USB port of the Mac - it's robust and works every time - plug and play (once it's been programmed).
The Leonardo could be programmed to listen out for a specific pattern of switching and then send the entire password down the USB cable, or alternatively it could have some simple or complex feedback (lights / tones / onscreen keyboard display on a second mini screen) to allow individual characters/keystrokes to be sent down the USB cable from the Arduino.
I've been making stuff like this in the UK for the charity Scope, and their users - often people who have cerebral palsy. I could potentially make you something and post it over - if you are interested drop me a line.
Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?
#87There are bluetooth screen lock utilities that allow one to auto-lock and unlock the machine based on the signal strength of whatever Bluetooth device you pair it with. I would look into the hands-free Bluetooth speakers (meant for auto use) with a Wheelchair power to USB convertor (most likely the easiest would be via an auto 12V DC adapter). That way you can have a mic/speaker mounted on the wheel chair to control…
This is the most sensible solution. One implementation of this is called TokenLock. Never used it but it's $3 in the App Store and is pretty well documented, so I'd imagine the dev is pretty pro-active. Buy that with a $20 bluetooth headset to pair it with (make sure the range is as low as possible!) and you have a complete solution for the login issue for under $30.
Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?
#88I used to work with quads.
I would use Sikuli.org (python script) automate most things.
Read this post about new treatments in China. Spinal Cord injury therapies and medical situation in China Major spinal surgeries in China. Advances in repair of cord. http://nextbigfuture.com/2013/07/spinal-cord-injury-therapie...
Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?
#89Well I guess you could use something like that:
http://notimpossiblelabs.com/eyewriter
with some software modification (pure speculation as I haven't even checked the code) you could use eye movement and blinking to simulate mouse input and with on screen keyboard you should be able to write your password somewhat securely
http://www.ted.com/talks/mick_ebeling_the_invention_that_unl...
also shouldn't be expensive to build... [edit] link to the github repo the software can be found here https://github.com/eyewriter/
Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?
#90If you could have a seperate, physical voice to text converter, it would act as a physical keyboard and type in your password, etc.