How to set up USB flash drive for secure Windows or Mac OS login?

/by

Summary: If you don’t want to remember and type your Windows or Mac password to log in, you can use your USB flash drive to store and enter your password automatically. It is secure, automatic and fast.
Log-on user name and password are automatically entered as soon as you plug in the USB drive, and when you pull it out, the computer is locked.

Here you will learn how to make a USB drive into an access token and how it affects your computer security.

Protect your notebook computer with USB Key

To Set up USB flash drive for Windows login

  1. Download and install Rohos Logon software.
    Download Mac version.
  2. Start program (Click Start -> Programs -> Rohos)
  3. Plug in your USB flash drive
  4. Click Setup USB Key link
    • Next you should type your Windows password
    • If you don’t use a password you should create one using Change password dialog

When you press Setup USB Key button Rohos Logon will turn this USB drive into a hardware key to access your computer (USB Key1).

By default, Rohos Logon creates your login-profile (a file) on the USB flash drive memory. This profile contains User name, computer name and AES encryption key to generate your password in the login moment (but not a password in a plain form).

Rohos Logon program uses NIST2 approved encryption algorithm and securely handles your password using NIST recommended principles.

Using 2-factor login

You can protect your USB Key using PIN code. This will prevent anyone else using it to log into your PC. PIN code allows you to use well known 2-factor authentication principle:

  1. Something that you have in your hand – USB Key
  2. A password that you have in you mind – PIN codeUnique feature: Rohos program offers a user-friendly PIN entry keypad to let you enter the code with your mouse, or by keyboard. This eliminates any danger posed by hidden key logging software. Visual PIN keypad allows to better memorize PIN code.

How PIN code works:

  • You need to enter it every time you log in using USB Key or unlock computer
  • If an invalid PIN is entered more than 3 times, the USB Key is blocked (cannot be used for login).

Most users think that PIN code is the same as password, but this is incorrect. For example Windows and Maс OS allows unlimited number of attempts to enter user password. In this case password should be more or less strong to prevent brute force attack. But PIN code has limited attempts to enter. So there is no chance that anyone can guess it by entering a lot of variants.

Using big and secure Windows password

If you are using USB stick for Windows logon you can change your password into big one and more secure using Rohos Password generator dialog

Protect your computer by USB Key

You can set up Rohos Logon Key to strongly require USB Key to access your computer.
Open options dialog box and check Allow to log in only using USB Key flag.

Emergency Logon

It helps you to access Windows in emergency case: USB Key lost or damaged, you forgot PIN code, USB port is broken

Share|

Applies to: Windows XP/ 2000/ 2003/ Vista/ 2008/ 7. Apple Mac OS X.

The basics of computer protection. Data security and access control tips.

/by

Summary: If you are the only holder of a computer or owner of a shared family PC – you might still want to set up your computer with user accounts, privileges and other security rules and software. Doing so prevents unauthorized access to the Windows computer, makes it more stable and gives you joy sharing the home computer or surfing the Web online.

Remember that even the higher computer security can be broken due to certain factors that you’ve missed. Check-out your system with the following list of security measures.

List of Measures

Disable computer boot from CD-ROM and floppy

  • (CD/DVD-ROM, floppy, flash drives) The data security of your computer can be easily broken by the aid of bootable CD-ROM. This simple trick allows intruders to do the following: Get full access to your disk drive and all the files on it without the need of logging in.
  • Reset the administrator password to a blank one.
  • Steal your email correspondence stored in Outlook.
  • Install a Trojan or virus program.

If one can boot from CD-ROM, your files can be accessed in your absence. You should disable all the boot devices except the primary hard disk HDD-0 (see picture below).

Here’s how to disable system boot from Floppy/CD-ROM:

[Phoenix BIOS screen-shot that shows how to set up boot options for computer. Via CD-ROM or Floppy]
First, boot device should be always your primary Hard Drive Disk. (The second can be any other, but we recommend none)

Top of page

Password protects the BIOS

All computers have the option to set up a password for entering BIOS. This allows to protect from changing First boot device’ option in the BIOS. BIOS also has some important settings that are:

  • Option to require password to turn-on computer
  • Computer date and time
  • Protection of first boot sector of the Hard Disk Drive
  • Wake-up-on-LAN option that allows to remotely turn-on your computer

How to set BIOS password:

BIOS screen that allows to protect BIOS and changing bootable options.
How to set a password to BIOS to protect from changing the vital system options (first boot device, access password, etc.).

Top of page

Use encryption

Use disk encryption to enhance your privacy.
For safe and 100% data protection we recommend to use data encryption software. Why? Learn here

Top of page

Avoid unknown applications

Don’t open or execute files you are not sure by 100% of, no matter where or how you get them (email attachments, etc.).

  • Get a good antivirus program: NOD32 or Norton Antivirus and keep it updated!
  • Get spyware cleaner program.

Some unfair (XXX) websites use the security defects (bugs and ‘holes’) of the popular operating systems (web browsers) in order to install malicious programs and modules on any computers, without any permission.

Use different passwords

The same password is a common mistake most of us commit.

Imagine the following situation: you have 2 email accounts, an ICQ account, one computer at home, one in the office, and a handheld device. All of them are protected with the same password.

Imagine that certain circumstances forced you to connect to ICQ from a computer in an Internet café. Public terminals are beyond your control, hence you are unable to assure that there is no spyware running on them, or that all the security measures were taken. In this case, your ICQ password is likely to be recorded somewhere.

If that happens, then all your accounts\computers have become unprotected, even if you follow the guidelines mentioned in this manual.

This threat could have been minimized if you used different passwords.

In case your memory is not your strongest point, we have the solution – multi-factor authentication. You can store your passwords on a USB flash drive, use password hint or PIN code.

Top of page

Use two-factor authentication through USB stick

This is secure, reliable and cost-effective way to log in into Windows and access your private files. Tesline-Service SRL has developed a convenient solution for replacing your Windows password with a USB flash drive.

The idea behind two-factor authentication is that more than one factor (password) is required for the authentication to succeed.

For instance, Rohos Logon Key can enhance a password prompt with the requirement to plug in a USB flash disk (or USB stick, pen drive) into the computer.

One-click USB key setup and your regular USB flash drive is ready for secure Windows login.

Top of page

Tips

– How to choose a correct password? Which guidelines should I follow when creating a password?

  • The password should be not shorter than 7 characters
  • It should be random, without any meaning
  • Use UPPER case and lower case letters in your password
  • Use special characters like these: _,&,~,(,.

So the ideal password should be like: Usa24_JD
(legend: Usa-smth. you like, 24 – smb. age, JD-smth. abbreviature).

Strong but not for human?
A big lie of computer security is that security improves as password complexity increases. In reality, complex passwords that comply with the above list of “security-enhancing” principles lead to one outcome: Users write down their passwords. Security is better increased by designing for how people actually behave: – Use hardware USB key to access your Windows account and private files.

  • Update/patch your software now and then
  • Use firewall, like ZoneAlarm to control what goes in and out from your computer
  • Check / adjust your Windows security settings so they are safe
  • Don’t use public computers for anything you need to type in your logins, they usually have keyboard monitors that capture your passwords/keystrokes.
  • Make backups and store them in a safe place (at least once per month). The easiest way to do a total-backup is to make an “Image” of your hard drive or partition and store it on safe location.

Top of page

Links

  • How to use disk encryption to protect your privacy. Sharing a computer with someone else means that others could see your private files, install games or software you didn’t want, or change your computer settings. Learn the most appropriate ways to protect your sensitive information.
  • Virtual encrypted disk inside-out. Rohos software creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk drive. Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.

Software Links
Rohos Logon Key – Smartest, most feature-rich USB security Windows login solution. Two-factor authentication via USB stick for fast login.

Rohos Disk – Smart disk encryption program. MS Office integration. Using two-factor authentication to access your files.

Top of page

How to use your USB stick for secure Windows login without the need to type your password every time?

How to prevent a forgotten password?

/by

If you have many passwords to remember, or if you don’t often use your account, you could forget your Windows password. So it’s a good idea to provide a password hint, which is a word or phrase to help you remember your password. The hint is available on the Welcome screen when you log on.

For example, if your password is 1996Janna22, you might use a hint like “when I met my wife” or “my favorite school teacher name.”

Tip: Anyone who uses your computer will be able to see the hint on the Welcome screen, so keep it vague enough that other people couldn’t guess your password.

Attention to USB stick owners

Rohos Logon allows you to log into Windows by using USB pen drive, without typing in your password each time. The login process is fully automatic and fast. No mistakes trying to manually enter passwords. So, user should not remember his or her password. In case it’s forgotten you may use a password hint that is recommended to define. The hint is available on the Welcome screen when you log on.

How to set up a password hint:

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Change password
  • Type new password and specify a password hint

Also you may define a password hint while Configure USB pen drive for login

Another option to log in without password is to create a password reset disk in advance (floppy disk).

How to create a password reset disk (Windows XP):

  • Prepare one floppy drive for this
  • Go to Control Panel and select “User accounts”
  • Select your account and click “Prevent a forgotten password” in Related Tasks left column
  • Follow the Wizard


How to choose a convenient and strong password?

/by

User password is a very important element in any data protection and access control software. You need to know that the data protection programs based on encryption work on the encryption key basis, that is in turn generated from your password.

So we would like to mention here just a few widespread suggestions on how to choose strong enough but easy to remember passwords. But before we list it, here is a table that demonstrates how the actual password cracker program works.

Password length Time to break – if your password contains only small English letters (26 characters) Time to break – if your password contains small and big letters, digits and spaces (63 characters)
5 symbols 1 hour 30 min. 6 days
6 1 day 10 h. 1 year
7 45 days 65 years
8 3.1 years 4022 years
9 89 years 251000 years
10 2303 years …
… … …

The results of Brute Force attack to crack AES245 encrypted string calculations using Pentium 4, 1.8 GHz, 512 cache.

Strong password principles

  • The password should have not less than 7 characters
  • It should be random, without any meaning
  • Use UPPER case and lower case letters in your password
  • Use special characters like these: _,&,~,(,.

So the ideal password should look like this: Usa24_JD
(legend: Usa-smth. you like, 24 – smb. age, JD-smth. abbreviature).

Strong but not for human?

It is not true when they say that security improves as password complexity increases. In reality, complex passwords that comply with the above list of “security-enhancing” principles lead to one outcome: Users write down their passwords. Security is better increased by designing for how people actually behave.

Here are some of our tips to make your password hard to guess and easy to remember for you:

  • Make it with two meanings only for you
    For example: “My first PC hard drive capacity” + “my favorite PC game”
    In this case the password would be: “500banjo”.
  • Use big letters, small letters and numbers
    To follow this rule, modify your password as: “500_Banjo”.
  • Define a password hint to prevent from being forgotten
    To follow this rule set up a hint like: “My first PC hard drive capacity _&_ my favorite PC game “.

Despite all of these tips you may define a long, complex password for Windows and store it on USB flash drive for system access in order not to always type the password.

How to use a long and secure password but without any efforts to remember it?

The answer is Two-factor authentication (or USB keys).
Rohos Logon Key is a computer security program that is specifically designed to strengthen the security of the Windows computer logon process – you can use a long password, but you don’t need to type it in order to log in.
Learn more…

Login Windows Seven by using a USB flash drive

/by

Rohos Logon Key converts any USB flash drive into a security key for your computer and allows to login Windows in a secure way by USB key, replacing the password based Windows login.

Why to use USB flash drive for Windows login?

  • You don’t need to remember and type your Windows password (but your system is still password protected.)
  • You can use Long secure passwords that comply with the “security-enhancing” principles.
  • Enjoy fast and automatic login into Windows. Users can be automatically logged into Windows as they insert the USB flash drive into the USB port.
  • Automatic Windows lock-out when user unplugs USB drive from computer.
  • Two-factor authentication with PIN code + USB key – to stop anyone else logging in with it.Â
    • PIN code is defined by the user to protect USB Key from unauthorized usage for Windows login.
    • PIN code can be short like “576” because,
    • The number of attempts to enter a PIN is limited to 3.
    • Also PIN code allows you to avoid re-inserting USB-stick in “sign-in – lock – unlock” use cases. Just press Win+L to lock the desktop, then click on USB icon on the login-screen to unlock Windows by USB Key – enter PIN and you are in.
  • Remote Desktop login with USB Key, Require a credential dialog.
  • Windows Safe Mode boot protection.
    By default Rohos Logon Key works even in safe mode.
  • A few USB drives can be configured for each user account on a computer.
  • One USB drive can be used to login Windows and Mac.

How user log into Windows Seven with USB drive:

 

USB stick password replacement for Windows Vista

Rohos Logon Key adds USB key login icon to the Windows Vista\Seven logon screen.

1. The user plugs in his USB flash drive to computer (prompted for a PIN code if it has been set If an invalid PIN is entered more than 3 times, the USB drive is blocked, thus the USB Key login is not further possible.)

2. Immediately he is logged into Windows and has access to his Windows user account without having to type in user name or password.

3. Whenever the users temporarily leaves the computer, they can temporarily lock the computer by simply disconnecting the USB flash drive. Also Rohos  Logon Key can be configured to log off or activate screensaver upon unplugging USB Key.

Rohos Logon Key is a user authentication software that is specifically designed to strengthen the security of the Windows Seven logon process and keep intruders out.
Rohos Logon Key protects your personal information and data with a Two-Factor Authentication technology by using USB flash drives and PIN code.
You may also use Rohos encryption solution that encrypts applications/folders inside your user account by using a virtual encrypted disk.

Setup two-factor authentication with USB Key

Open Rohos Logon Key and click Setup USB Key link. The following dialog box allows to set yo PIN code for your USB Key:

USB key pin code. two-factor authentication

  1. Click “Change PIN code” link.
  2. In the opened “PIN pad” dialog, enter your new PIN (3-6 characters, numbers or letters or both)  .  Click OK.
  3. In the opened “PIN pad” confirmation dialog, enter your PIN code again to confirm. Click OK. Done.

Now each time you use USB flash drive for Windows logon/unlock you need to enter Pin code first.

Disabling manually password entry

Rohos Logon Key has a special feature that hides all user icons from the logon screen and allows to use only USB Key based login.

Emergency Logon

The program has Emergency Logon feature that helps you to log into Windows Vista in case you lost USB key or forgot PIN code.

Customized USB Key login

The Rohos icon image on the logon screen can be changed or hidden at all.

Rohos Credential Provider

Rohos Credential Provider is a special authentication module for Windows Seven, which implements hardware based user authentication scenario. Users see this component in the form of an user icon on the Windows logon screen.
Learn more…

How to change the default action with removable media on the Windows XP\2000?

/by

Summary: Whenever you plug in a USB flash drive Windows XP prompts the user to indicate what to do with the media? If it contains audio, video or pictures then user should always do “nothing”. Here’s how to configure Windows XP to never try to autoplay anything on the removable drive or USB flash drive and do not prompt the user for action.

Log in/unlock into Windows by USB flash drive:
Rohos Logon Key users enjoy one step login into Windows and unlocking it by using USB flash drive as a hardware key. Removable drive Autoplay behaviour may be unusable in this case.

To disable autoplay of USB flash drives in WindowsXP / 2000:

  1. Open registry editor by selecting Start, then Run, then entering “regedit /v” as the command
  2. Select the top most mode (“My Computer”) in the registry hierarchy.
  3. Search (ctrl-F) for the following value: NoDriveTypeAutoRun
  4. Each time you find the NoDriveTypeAutoRun value, change it to 0xdd. That should turn off autoplay for everything *but* your CD drives. To turn it off for everything, use 0xff.
  5. Repeat the above for all remaining occurrences of NoDriveTypeAutoRun throughout your registry. Be sure to note each original value and the path to it, in case you want to restore it later.
  6. Close the registry and re-boot your PC. These registry values will not take effect till AFTER you have rebooted.

Tip: If you want to know the meaning of the DD and FF values, or how to disable or enable autoplay for other devices (not only USB flash/pen drives), see the following URL:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/2000/server/reskit/en-us/Default.asp?url=/resources/documentation/Windows/2000/server/reskit/en-us/regentry/91525.asp

How to use your USB stick drive to log into Windows?

Create a Shortcut to Lock Your Computer

/by

Leaving your computer in a hurry but you don’t want to log off? You can double-click a shortcut on your desktop to quickly lock the keyboard and display without using CTRL+ALT+DEL or a screensaver.

To create a shortcut on your desktop to lock your computer:

1. Right-click the desktop.
2. Point to New, and then click Shortcut.
3. The Create Shortcut Wizard opens. In the text box, type the following:
rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
4. Click Next.
5. Enter a name for the shortcut. You can call it “Lock Workstation” or choose any name you like.
6. Click Finish.

You can also change the shortcut’s icon (my favorite is the padlock icon in shell32.dll).

To change the icon:

1. Right-click the shortcut and then select Properties.
2. Click the Shortcut tab, and then click the Change Icon button.
3. In the Look for icons in this file text box, type:
Shell32.dll.
4. Click OK.
5. Select one of the icons from the list and then click OK

You could also give it a shortcut keystroke such CTRL+ALT+L. This would save you only one keystroke from the normal command, but it could be more convenient.

To add a shortcut keystroke:

1. Right-click the shortcut and then select Properties.
2. Click on the Shortcut tab.
3. In the Shortcut key text box, type any key and Windows XP will convert it to a shortcut, usually in combination with the CTRL+ALT keys.

To lock your keyboard and display, double-click the shortcut or use the Shortcut keys.

Information for USB stick owners:

Whenever the user temporarily leaves the computer, he can temporarily lock the computer by simply disconnecting the USB stick drive (flash drive).

In additional Rohos Logon can be configured to perform Log Off, turn off or Hibernate your computer when you unplug your USB storage device.

How to configure USB removal behavior:

  • Go to Start menu -> Programs -> Rohos and select Rohos Logon Key.
  • Point to Windows logon tab, and then click Configure Options.
  • Choose option under “USB removal behavior” label.

How to use a USB stick drive to automatically lock or suspend your PC when you step away in a hurry?

Tired of passwords, replace them with your USB flash drive

/by

Tesline-Service SRL has developed a convenient solution for replacing your system password with a USB flash drive. Rohos Logon Key lets you log into your Windows without scrambling for passwords — just plug in a USB flash drive whenever a password is required to log in or unlock desktop, and you’re in.

Update: Now it works with Windows Vista!

Why should you use USB flash drive to log into Windows?

  • You don’t need to remember and manually type in your Windows password (but your system is password protected as well)
  • You can use HUGE secure passwords that comply with the “security-enhancing” principles
  • Enjoy fast and automatic login into Windows. User can be automatically logged into Windows as they insert the device into the USB port, it is not necessary to type in your password.
  • Automatic Windows lock when user unplugs USB Key from computer.
  • Higher security with PIN code for USB Key – to stop anyone else logging in with it. Learn more on how two-factor authentication works in Rohos Logon Key.
    This option allows you to avoid re-inserting USB Key in “sign-in – lock – unlock” use case. Just press Win+L to lock and click on USB icon on the welcome-screen to unlock – enter PIN and you are in.
  • You can disable anyone to work with your computer without your USB flash drive.

 

How does “USB-stick secure login” work in Windows?

First you need to install Rohos Logon Key and setup USB flash drive as an access key to you Windows.

1. When you plug-in your USB flash drive into USB port, you are identified. Application reads login and password information that is entered automatically into Windows login dialog.

Here is how your password is entered automatically:

USB Drive contains login and password information that is entered automatically into Windows login

Here is the Rohos USB key login button on the Windows Vista login screen:

2. When you unplug your USB flash drive key, the program automatically locks Windows session.

Note: You can continue using your USB Key to store and transfer files.

USB-stick login key and security

You can ask: “It looks cool… but what will happen if the owner has lost the key or it was stolen… does it mean that anyone can get my password or access to my Windows?”
Real user password is not stored on the USB Key. Also you should protect USB Key with a PIN code – to prevent anyone use your USB Key to access Windows account without you.

Rohos Logon Key stores only “password-fingerprint” on the USB flash drive that is used to generate user password for login. Also USB Key cannot be duplicated just by simple copy-paste method.

FAQ: “but what will happen if I’ve lost the key… is there anyway to login to Windows again?”
Yes, sure. Program has Emergency Logon feature that helps to owner to access Windows computer if USB key was damaged or lost.

Logon Integration

Authentication is integrated within the Windows security
Rohos Logon works on the Windows logon desktop and just automatically enters user password into login box when it is required. It integrates into any Windows logon configuration. Thus, no security problem will be encountered just because you installed Rohos Logon.

Completely simulate Smart Card logon
 In comparison with Smart Card Logon, Rohos Logon Key provides more functions that are easier to use. In corporate networks environment Rohos Logon can stop users to use USB login key to store and transmit personal files.

It is considered to be the most convenient and user-friendly password replacement application on the market.

Rohos Logon Key is also compliant with U3 smart USB Flash drives.

How two-factor authentication works in Rohos Logon Key

/by

Applies to: Standalone PC or Active Directory workstation

Summary:
Rohos Logon is computer security software that is specifically designed to strengthen the security of the Windows computer logon process and keep intruders away. Rohos Logon protects your personal information and data with a Two-Factor Authentication technology by using Authentication devices like HSM/OTP or regular flash drives and PIN code / Windows password entry .

On the picture: Login option for USB flash drive that makes this user account accessible only via 2FA Authentication key login. The regular Windows password that entered manually will be rejected. This feature makes two-factor authentication stronger.

How It Works?

  1. User connects Authentication device (flash drive) to Windows computer
  2. Rohos Logon screen detects inserted USB device that is configured for logon at this computer. For this verification USB device number and configuration information from Windows registry are used.
  3. Rohos Logon compares USB device fingerprint to sample already on file for the user to determine if there is a match. If there is no match, the USB device is rejected.
  4. Rohos Logon prompts the user to enter PIN code.
  5. User types a PIN code at the custom PIN entry Numpad and it is verified to be correct by Rohos.
  6. Rohos reads password information from a USB flash drive and combines this information with data from a local computer registry. Now user password is ready for actual Windows login process.
  7. The username and password are verified to be correct by the Windows operating system
  8. User is authenticated as an authorized user
  9. The User successfully accesses the computer’s resources

Install 15-day free trial

Rohos Logon Key – Smart and feature-rich Windows USB login solution.

Short description:
Rohos Logon Key allows maximizing the security and convenience of users accessing Windows, personalize your Login and save costs. Two-factor authentication support and easy customization of welcome screen.

How to avoid reinserting USB stick…

One of the frequently asked question from our users:

I haven’t figured out if there’s a way to leave the USB key plugged in, lock the workstation, then only use the USB key PIN code to unlock the workstation.
Can you please let me know whether this is possible? Or, do I always have to remove, then reinsert the USB flash drive in order to only enter the PIN code?

Yes, assuming that physical access to the workstation is secure, and You would like to be able to unlock the workstation by only typing in the simpler USB PIN code rather than the strong windows’ passphrase.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Lock your Windows by Win+L (or Ctrl+Alt+Del -> ‘Lock Workstation’ button – if you have Win2k).
  2. Then to unlock click on the “Desktop is locked” string. Rohos will try to unlock Windows by USB key (and PIN code if it is set up).

Note: To use this trick you should first log in via USB stick.

This works very simple and efficiently. No need to reinsert your USB stick every time.

Why do I need to use USB flash drive for Windows login?

Windows XP Hibernation and Sleep advantages

/by

Applies to: Windows XP/2000/2003, Windows Vista/Seven

Summary: If you use Windows ‘hibernation’ or ‘Sleep’ you can increase your work convenience, especially if you have to keep open a lot of programs and documents. In addition you can protect your hibernated computer from intruders by using USB Key.

Most people do not use Windows hibernation despite its advantages:

  • High-speed computer start-up
  • The possibility to pause computer’s work immediately with power-off
  • And then to continue within a  few seconds
  • Plus password protection of hibernated computer

High-speed computer start-up

It takes about 30 seconds to resume the computer out of hibernation. It’s much quicker than usual computer start-up, when Windows initializes all the hardware, drivers and services.

Windows hibernation will be the most useful with the low-speed computers which boots up very slowly because of many installed programs, or low disk space.

Allows to pause your computer run immediately

Sometimes you need to stop your work quick and go off. Hibernate feature, in this case, is more convenient than turning off. You can continue your work after coming back from the moment you have stopped at.

After resuming Windows from hibernation, all the documents and programs will be restored exactly as you have left them.

If you wish you may set a password protection for hibernated computer.

Resume your computer run in a second.

Windows hibernate feature allows to quickly resume your work on the computer you’ve been doing before hibernating. And you don’t need to open any program or documents, you’ve been working with. All these programs and documents will be opened automatically.

Moreover, you don’t need to wait for loading programs from Startup folder (Auto run, auto start on Windows startup).

Protect your hibernated computer

Anyone can resume hibernated computer. And thus get access to all the open documents and programs, including your user account, email and other information.

Windows can be configured to require your user password when computer resumes from hibernation. This adds protection to computer that has been left hibernated.

Here’s how to enable or disable password protection:

  1. Open Control Panel (Start->Control Panel, or Start->Settings->Control Panel)
  2. Click on Power Options item in the Control Panel list..
  3. Select Advanced page and check “Prompt for password when computer resumes from standby\hibernate” flag.

And from now on anyone will be required to enter a password when powering on hibernated computer. If you don’t like to use password you can use any USB flash drive or USB Key instead of password, learn more here about it.

Tip: If you don’t use password, it is recommended to create one for your user account.

How to hibernate computer ?

Windows 2000/ XP/ 2003/ Vista/ Seven have a computer hibernation feature.

  • For Windows XP. Click Start -> Shut Down . In Turn off computer dialog box press and hold Shift key and click Hibernate.

Windows hibenate and resume dialog, passworв protection after resume.

  • For Windows 2000. Click Start -> Shut Down. In the What do you want the computer to do drop-down list, select Hibernate and click Ok.

Windows 2000 hibernate dialog. + Unlock after resume.

  • In Windows Vista/Seven hibernation feature is also powered by a Sleep mode that accelerate hibernation. This feature was specially designed for notebooks where users usually closes the lid to step away.
    – On a PC click ‘Start’ and then click on an arrow next to the Off button.
    – on a notebook you just close the lid.

After that all memory (RAM) content will be saved on the hard drive and computer will be turned off completely.

Using a hardware Key to protect sleeping Windows.

Rohos Welcome boxRohos Logon Key program turns USB flash drive and many other USB keys into protection key for your hibernated Windows.

Security benefits:

  • It replaces weak password based login with a hardware USB key (USB flash drive or memory card)
  • Allows to use big password, but you don’t need to enter it manually and remember it
  • Login with USB Key is fully automatic and fast!
  • No risk because of : Emergency Logon in case you lost your USB Key, optional PIN code password for USB Key, Safe Mode guard.
    Download…



Sleep feature in  Windows Vista/Seven accelerates Hibernation and Resume operations thus make it even more usable for notebook users.

Rohos Logon Key: Lock your sleeping PC or notebook with a USB Key.