New Token Ring uses fingerprint reader, Bluetooth to securely authenticate wearer
A new ring called Token embeds Bluetooth and a fingerprint reader, and promises to enhance biometric authentication with compatibility across a large array of existing technologies.
Prior to wearing the Token ring, users authenticate with a fingerprint scan on a sensor on the inside of the ring. Once the ring is removed, then the authentication expires until re-scanned.
As demonstrated to Mashable, Token founder Steve Shapiro unlocked his MacBook with authenticated NFC communication when he knocked on the table near the computer. The functionality mirrors that of the Apple Watch feature that does the same thing with close proximity of the two devices.
"We wanted to build something that makes you more secure, but we've realized that most consumers won't do anything if it makes their lives more inconvenient," Token cofounder and CEO Melanie Shapiro told Mashable while demonstrating the product. "We're offering a two-factor authentication process that's easier than some already ingrained behaviors, like pulling out your credit card."
The company has also made its own line of door locks to supplement the technology. as well as a security pad for access control.
Token has partnered with physical authentication company HID, the FIDO alliance, Microsoft, MasterCard, and Visa. As it stands at present, the Token works to authenticate public transportation access in 40 systems around the world, with 20 more coming in 2018.
The ring is waterproof up to 50 meters, and a single charge will last about 14 days. There is no subscription fee to use the ring, nor is any information about the user sent to Token servers.
The Token ring in brushed silver will retail for $249 when it ships in late 2017. Deadbolts from the company are an additional $100.
Prior to wearing the Token ring, users authenticate with a fingerprint scan on a sensor on the inside of the ring. Once the ring is removed, then the authentication expires until re-scanned.
As demonstrated to Mashable, Token founder Steve Shapiro unlocked his MacBook with authenticated NFC communication when he knocked on the table near the computer. The functionality mirrors that of the Apple Watch feature that does the same thing with close proximity of the two devices.
"We wanted to build something that makes you more secure, but we've realized that most consumers won't do anything if it makes their lives more inconvenient," Token cofounder and CEO Melanie Shapiro told Mashable while demonstrating the product. "We're offering a two-factor authentication process that's easier than some already ingrained behaviors, like pulling out your credit card."
The company has also made its own line of door locks to supplement the technology. as well as a security pad for access control.
Token has partnered with physical authentication company HID, the FIDO alliance, Microsoft, MasterCard, and Visa. As it stands at present, the Token works to authenticate public transportation access in 40 systems around the world, with 20 more coming in 2018.
The ring is waterproof up to 50 meters, and a single charge will last about 14 days. There is no subscription fee to use the ring, nor is any information about the user sent to Token servers.
The Token ring in brushed silver will retail for $249 when it ships in late 2017. Deadbolts from the company are an additional $100.
Comments
For those who are not old enough, back in the day there were two competing network types. Ethernet and Token-ring. The latter was pushed by IBM. The former (originally developed by Xerox, Intel and Dec) won out.
Wait, this is dependent upon an internal accelerometer?
From a usability standpoint, if my arms are filled with heavy packages, and I need to unlock the deadbolt, how is this a substantive improvement over the status quo?
But this thing is DOA, I like the ring idea but for $50 and a battery that lasts a year. Every year it should be replaced anyways...
YubiKey is more practical.
I was helping out IBM in the 21st century and they were still using them, along AS/400s and what I think were numerous TB5250 emulators for Windows and OS/2. I guess they were getting their money out of it, but I can't say that monitoring servers and routers across the globe was without problems with those emulators.
Then you have people who don't have acceptable fingerprints for Touch ID or none at all, and while TokenRing wouldn't solve that issue since it has a fingerprint reader inside, I can see a ring being a good way for someone to get extra security to their device without having to use a fingerprint reader or pay for an Apple Watch which they may find to be too complex, to excessive for their singular need, or just don't like the feel of a watch on their wrist. I could even see this being used with NFC, perhaps even passive so there's no battery that would need replacing (if Apple ever opens up their NFC to developers).
Or, not for security at all. I'm just glad to see wearable CE grow and the size of components shrink. Personally, I'd like to see CE move into devices that are subcutaneous, that you can swallow, or pretty much anything else that can help monitor a person's vitals or help them improve in a task. I don't see it as effectively being any different than a hearing aid or reading glasses in that regard.