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Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

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Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

#101

Post by mapgrep »

ultimoo wrote: post #76
escapologybb wrote: post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You know, I hadn't actually considered that! That certainly could solve quite a lot of the security problems, but as you say it adds a layer of complexity to an already complex method of using my computer. Excellent idea though :-)

If you think OS X offers better dictation/accessibility support than Ubuntu does you can also virtualize OS X on OS X using VMWare Fusion. I'm sure there are other ways of doing this but I know that VMWare Fusion supports this [1]. I don't believe that you will even have to pay for licensing OS X since it is already on an Apple manufactured hardware. [1] http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=di...

You are correct, the OS X EULA since 10.7 Lion has allowed two additional instances to be run within virtualization at no additional charge. Here is the EULA for 10.8, search for "virtual": http://www.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/OSX1082.pdf

("...you are granted a limited, non-transferable, non-exclusive license... (iii) to install, use and run up to two (2) additional copies or instances of the Apple Software within virtual operating system environments on each Mac Computer you own or control that is already running the Apple Software, for purposes of: (a) software development; (b) testing during software development; (c) using OS X Server; or (d) personal, non-commercial use...")

Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

#102

Post by ericfranklin »

snom380 wrote: post #80

Does DragonDictate still work if you switch users? If so, you could encrypt your home directory, add a second user, and set OSX to auto-login to that user (and auto-launch DragonDictate). If not, I think your best bet is a Bluetooth solution or some hardware token. For instance, an Arduino or Teensy ($20) programmed with your login/master password, and with a small microphone connected would be able to respond to cer…

If you are already logged in to an account with Dragon running, will it let you dictate into system password boxes (OS X Dictation does not when I tried it)? If so, having the computer auto-login on boot to a secondary account should accomplish what you need. Then dictate your password into the Fast user switching box.

Otherwise, user switching can also be activated with Automator or Terminal. OS X Dictation will type into a password prompt in Terminal, so a script might be able to switch to your account with password dictation (or with your password stored in the script, if you trust that).

When done in your secure account, just run another script or reboot to switch back to the secondary account.

Here are some example scripts: http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=2011081307461141...

Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

#103

Post by fnordfnordfnord »

nknighthb wrote: post #30
fnordfnordfnord wrote: post #9

Hi, do you have any movement or dexterity in your fingers at all? If so, please offer details of this or any other control you have that might be exploited. I have a colleague who once-upon-a-time built a system of low-force buttons and other goodies that enabled a quadriplegic person to work a telephone very effectively, as in they were subsequently employed to do some kind of work over the telephone. Would somethin…

In the vein of finger dexterity, I fear it must be very low, otherwise I'd expect use of a small "joystick mouse" rather than (or at least as a supplement to) SwitchXS and a single-button switch. That said, I've heard of some quadriplegics with basic finger function using morse code-style inputs in various ways. I don't know details, but this[1] popped up in Google. It seems old but potentially interesting. I wonder…

Yup, colleague says he designed and built several different sip & puff controls for various things.

>I wonder how much work it would be to put together something like an Arduino-based device that takes morse-like input and simulates a USB or Bluetooth keyboard?

IMO it has never been easier.

Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

#104

Post by pbrumm »

Maybe you could use a usb device that is physically attached to the chair, then a thin usb ribbon cable that plugs into the computer, but pulls out quickly. that way if the computer is taken it would auto lock the machine when the ribbon is removed.

It would take work to get setup again, which may make the NFC setups better.

you should also follow the leap motion device. https://www.leapmotion.com it could enable some facial recognition apps, or new approaches for data entry that are not just voice control.

Also, something like this may make it less desirable to steal, and be another way to mount it to your chair. https://www.stoptheft.com/products/stoplock

Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

#105

Post by jabbernotty »

im3w1l wrote: post #91

Questions on the threat model: -Is the computer turned off or on? -Do you want to a) protect your computer from being stolen? b) protect your weird fetish from being discovered? c) protect your online banking credentials?

I hope you don't mind if I rephrase that last bit, I felt it was overly specific:

"-Do you want to a) protect your computer from being stolen? b) improve the privacy of your files? c) protect your online credentials?"

Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

#106

Post by mynameishere »

ngoertz wrote: post #94
noonespecial wrote: post #77

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Good thing you have a patent. Now, if you can't be bothered to make a Mac version, no one can ! (maniacle villian laughter goes here, don't forget to twirl your mustache)

Not true, we'd be happy to work with Mac developers. It's just that we don't have the skills in house. Any takers?

This is one reason why you write for the JVM. I have Mac users for software that I've never personally used on a Mac.

Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

#107

Post by asselinpaul »

When you talked about the yubikey, it's actually not too hard to built a two factor token yourself. Using an arduino, you could wire it in a way that would be convenient for you to operate.

http://lab.infoserver.com.br/wiki/index.php/Projects:arduino...

https://github.com/damico/ARDUINO-OATH-TOKEN

Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

#108

Post by ngoertz »

mynameishere wrote: post #106
ngoertz wrote: post #94

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not true, we'd be happy to work with Mac developers. It's just that we don't have the skills in house. Any takers?

This is one reason why you write for the JVM. I have Mac users for software that I've never personally used on a Mac.

JVM path not feasible when the goal is O/S security

Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

#109

Post by iguana »

Buttons840 wrote: post #51
ngoertz wrote: post #36

We have patented something called PassRules which does not disclose your secret during normal use. It's the perfect solution for you but unfortunately we don't have a version for Mac -- only Windows. But if there's sufficient interest we might just develop one. Check us out at www.itsmesecurity.com

This is a great example of how patents help humanity.

TIL that everyone needs a patent to prove defensibility to VC's, but no one is allowed to mention a patent on HN without being down voted, because patents are evil.

Re: Ask HN: I'm quadriplegic – can you help me with my security?

#110

Post by swamp40 »

anonymous wrote: post #88

I 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...

Talk about cultural differences. From your link:

> China in 2004 clamped down on clinical trials and has the most strict regulations on it now.

> They executed some doctors who did not follow the rules.

> Now doctors are very careful and precisely follow the rules.

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