case security

[nate]

ok im gunna be building a computer soon but my dad will try anything and everything to snoop at my computer. ok now im wanting to know what i can do to know if he has opened the case. and im wanting somesort of keypad/numberpad intry thing to be able to unlock the front of the case. thanks in advance. later.

[nevermind1534]

Some cases have a hole in a piece of aluminum that sticks out the back, through the back of the side panel to put a padlock on. Actually, a lot of cheaper cases do. Look at the pictures, or, if it's in the store, you can actually look at the case.

Edit: Wow, I'm an idiot. I must have misread your post.

[Xpirate]

A quick and easy way is to use a tie wrap. But you would need to put another one on every time you leave it.

You could always store all your stuff on a USB flash drive and use portable apps:
http://portableapps.com/
Then it won't matter if he snoops.

[nate]

ok so what im basicly wanting is a keypad thing and once i enter the correct code it will trigger the unlock via a motor.

[xRyokenx]

You mean a keypad that lets you open up the case, correct? If so, do you want this for just a storage compartment or the whole case?

[nate]

i would want two keypads. one to open up the case to the internals. and one on the front to open the front door.

[xRyokenx]

Well, for that you will need some motors, at least two for the side of the case and the front, each. One to open it one to unlock it. You will need the keypads and a controller of some sort, although I am sure you could get by with one for both. This seems like it will be a serious project, just so you know. I only have minimal knowledge, so you may want to look into getting some books on this.

If you do not want a serious project, I would suggest making the case lock have a couple padlocks on it or something similar. You could probably get some sort of small deadbolts or something similar for non-electronic locks... take a look and see what options you have. I am looking forward to a worklog, no matter what you decide. :)

[gamer_from_aust]

You could aways make accounts on your computer, and buy a finger scanner, so then your fingers are the only way to get in. Don't the the finger print scanners are to much.

[J-Roc]

http://www.funponsel.com/blog/archives/2005/10/11/remote-control-padlock/

[halcyonforever]

I am going to go with the fact that the key pad is a HUGE project. Keypads themselves are cheap and easy, and essentially just a set of 12 switches (0-9 * #). But to make them accept codes means logic programming, probably an IC and some serious work. Plus, physical security to the inside of the case really doesn't prevent much in the way of spying except what model video card you have.

If you are worried about him key-stroking you, that is best accomplished with a USB device or in-line PS2 adapter, which does not require internal case access to setup.

Here are the probable risk factors for internal case access:

CMOS reset (if you use a CMOS password to prevent access)
- CMOS passwords really aren't any worthwhile measure of security and shouldn't be relied on anyway.
Hardware addition (adding a new primary drive with a different OS to access the stored data, bypassing OS passwords)
- lets someone get past the windows password, but does not bypass encryption
Hardware Removal (taking the hard drive for external examination)
- again bypasses OS password but not encryption
Frost Attack (flash freezing RAM chips to retrieve encryption keys)
- possible, but requires such specific hardware and knowledge, unless you plan on having DoD level security, not really an issue to account for)


Basically, you are putting a lot of focus on a security aspect that isn't going to really provide much in the way of security. If you are wanting data security, look at running a virtual machine with a static image that wipes on every shutdown and store everything on an encrypted USB drive.

If you want the "look" you can take a keypad and wire it in a way that powers the motors, but doesn't provide any actual password security. Easiest way is to wire a certain combination of switched in-line so that all 3-4 must be pressed simultaneously. So to an observer you can press the longest key sequence ever, and as long as you end with a certain combination it will work. (However if someone just presses every key at the same time it would trigger)

So in conclusion. It can be done, but if you are looking at it from a security stand point, remember you are placing a hundred dollar lock on a $10 piece of aluminum sheet metal.

[nevermind1534]

Bolt cutters will cut a lock. If you lock up something such as a bike, a lock won't prevent it from being stolen. Padlocks are merely forms of deterrent. You will know if it has been cut off, at least.

[NightrainSrt4]

I think your best bet is going with encryption on your drives, and either adding a basic lock to a case, or getting a case with a lock already. The lock would simply be a deterrent.

As mentioned, you can have the greatest lock in the world, but if all you need to do is cut through some thin sheet metal to get at the innards, it isn't going to do you much good.

[haxx]

Hi there im a student at an IT college, myself and a few others are working on a project to make an xp machine bootable only with a particular usb key which contains a bootloader and utterly whipesout the xp bootloader. the key itself will use an ecryption which gets its key from a password set upon install and your bios oem table.

It may take some time but progress is being made and i will keep checkin in on this thread.

FYI this will be released as open source to people so it will be free in the end :)

[halcyonforever]

So basically you are wanting to create a USB "key" for that PC. My thought would be write an encryption algorythm on the Key that encrypts/decrypts the whole drive. On boot it launches a program to ask for a password, it then uses the password and some unique BIOS data to create the encryption key and decrypts the drive, then passes the boot sequence to the windows boot loader. Correct?

[FuzzyPlushroom]

For the time being, I'd say the best bet would be to encrypt an external HDD with TrueCrypt (http://www.truecrypt.org/) or similar, and store anything remotely confidential on that. Simple and foolproof, provided you choose a good enough password, and remember to set it up so that a second password opens a dummy folder (the "hidden volume" (http://www.truecrypt.org/hiddenvolume.php) trick).

[phen0m]

What are you worried about the internals for?
If you look at porn, hack websites, whatever gets your jollies off, that's cool. But, he can't tell by looking at the inside of your computer and besides, if he does look inside it, whats he going to do, plant a bomb or something?

[nevermind1534]

Steal parts?

[phen0m]

His dad would steal parts?
Then he would have to listen to him beg for money for new parts.

[nevermind1534]

Idk.