USB security dongle

Future Technology Devices has released its USB-key security device.

Using a hard-coded identification number, the device can interface to any USB host or hub to provide application software access control (security dongle) or as part of a more sophisticated key-based physical access control.

During manufacture, the key has an FTDIChip-ID number burnt into it. This number is only readable over the USB interface, making it suitable for PC or embedded security developments. The key, compatible with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 specifications, derives its power from the USB interface and does not require any external supply.

In addition to providing an identification number, a user writeable EEPROM area is available to allow further encryption techniques. Examples include reading the FTDIChip-ID, further encrypting it and writing it back to the EEPROM.

By using this, industry standard encryption techniques such as DES, AES or Blowfish can be implemented.

Also available is an ActiveX control, SafeGuard-IT, that can use the FTDI-ChipID feature of the key to provide asymmetric public and private key encryption. Encrypted information based on the FTIChip-ID, the private key and an optional password can be programmed back into the key’s integrated EEPROM.