Windows 7 Bitlocker and Biometrics

    Windows 7 Bitlocker and Biometrics


    Posted: 11 Jan 2009
    "Microsoft has introduced BitLocker To Go with Windows 7. Bitlocker To Go extends BitLocker drive encryption to USB storage devices, enabling them to be restricted with a passphrase. Many corporations have been asking for this feature since Windows XP when USB storage devices began to become more popular. In addition to having control over passphrase length and complexity, IT administrators can set a policy that requires users to apply BitLocker protection to removable drives before being able to write to them. BitLocker To Go also allows users to more securely share data with users who have not yet deployed Windows 7. Microsoft currently allows Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista SP1 users to read BitLocker To Go devices using the passphrase. If you plug a bitlocker encrypted USB storage device into Windows 2000 or Windows XP SP2 you will simply see the device as a non-formatted device and will be unable to access the data. I took the feature for a spin earlier today and you can see the results below.

    Microsoft has also introduced (with Windows 7) the Windows Biometric Framework. The framework is designed to make biometrics more reliable, compatible and usable in Windows 7. The Windows Biometric Framework also makes it easier for developers to include biometrics in their applications by providing a common API that can be added independently with each biometric fingerprint solution. Perhaps the most important addition in this area is that fingerprint sensors can now be used on domain enabled networks.

    UPEK, who manufacture tens of millions of fingerprint sensors, has worked closely with Microsoft and released its pre-release protector suite and driver for Windows 7. The driver works well with Windows 7 and allows you to utilise the inbuilt fingerprint sensor to logon to Windows. I have been using the beta driver myself on a Lenovo X300 and you can find a demonstration below."

    To read more :-

    Windows 7: BitLocker To Go & Biometric improvements overview


    Norm
    NormCameron's Avatar Posted By: NormCameron
    11 Jan 2009



  1. Posts : 3,141
    Vista Ult 64 bit Seven Ult RTM x64
       #1

    Nice find Norm. I'm not using any biometrics, but the bitlocker to go is something I will use. Thanks.

    Gary
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 155
    Windows 7 Build 7100 32-bit, Windows Vista 32-bit
       #2

    Thanks, I installed the biometrics software and it works great :)
      My Computer


 

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