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ContentsUnboxingGetting StartedSetupUsageTrident App – Using Your Cell Phone to Unlock Your ComputerConclusionWhen you leave your workstation, even for a short time, it is advisable to lock your computer screen so that no one can access your desktop without your permission. Although this is a good tip, most people forget it or simply don't do it because they find it difficult to manually enter the password to unlock it later. If you belong to this group of people, the Gatekeeper Halberd is a smart device that can make your life easier and safer.
Halberd is a smart Bluetooth key that can be used to lock and unlock your computer based on the proximity between your computer and the device. It's small, just like your key, and comes with a hook so you can hang it on your key ring for portability.
Here's how it works:
Halberd comes in a small box. Opening it, you will only find the halberd, an instruction manual, a battery, a Bluetooth USB key and a lanyard.
To get started, you need to configure a few things.
1. First, remove the battery cover from the halberd and insert the battery.
2. On your Windows computer (it only supports Windows at the moment. Mac and Linux versions will be available in the last part of the year) download the Doorphone Software from its website.
3. Run the exe file and install the Gatekeeper software on your computer.
4. Once the installation is complete, you will be asked to insert the USB dongle to start the pairing process.
5. Then it will ask you to pair your device.
To do this, simply place the halberd near the USB dongle (or even press the dongle). If it still doesn't pair, press the button on the back of the halberd.
6. Once paired, it will ask for your Windows password. This allows it to automatically unlock your Windows computer. (Note that your password is encrypted and stored locally in the machine. No private information is stored on the halberd.)
7. Finally, enter a PIN as a secondary way to log in to your computer. This will also serve as a two-factor authentication for your computer if you desire more security.
Gatekeeper software is simple and easy to use. On the main page, under the "User Info" tab, signal strength is basically a sign of "how far" the halberd is from the USB dongle. When the signal drops (assuming you leave your computer), it automatically locks the computer.
The "Lockout Option" allows you to configure whether it should lock the computer or log off. "Auto mode" refers to sensing by proximity, while button mode refers to clicking the button on the halberd. You can easily lock your computer by pressing the button on the halberd. For "Lock Sensitivity", the default value is "Normal" and you can switch to "High" if you prefer it to be more secure.
And finally, the “Unlock Option” allows you to configure how it should unlock your computer when Halberd is detected. The default is "Login with Windows password", which basically means that the Gatekeeper software does nothing to unlock your computer. You can, of course, select "Auto Login" to get rid of the hassle of manually entering the password to unlock it.
The "Touch Login" option requires you to physically touch the USB dongle with the halberd before it unlocks. For those who are paranoid about security, the "PIN + Login Gatekeeper" will ask you to enter a PIN before unlocking the computer.
It is very easy to use once you set it up. To test, simply leave with the halberd and your computer will lock automatically. When you return (or when the halberd is detected), it will then unlock the computer.
What happens if someone removes the USB dongle while you are away?
One thing about Gatekeeper software is that it does not replace the standard Windows login (with password). Instead, it adds itself as another alternative to lock/unlock your computer. In case the USB dongle is removed after locking the computer, you can still use the usual password method to unlock your computer. Don't worry, this will prevent you from accessing your own machine.
Note :The Gatekeeper software can only lock and unlock your computer. It does not automatically connect to your desktop. Thus, if you have chosen the "Logout" option, you will have to physically enter the password to reconnect to your computer.
One last thing:the halberd button can only be used to lock the computer. It cannot be used to unlock the computer when it is locked.
If you'd rather not carry around an extra device, there's also the Trident Mobile App (cost $19.99) that you can download and use instead of the halberd.
The Trident app works exactly the same as the halberd, and they replace each other, so you just need to get one or the other. On first run, it will ask for permission to access your Bluetooth. Then, using the same Gatekeeper software, you can pair your phone with your computer's Bluetooth adapter or Gatekeeper USB dongle.
Once paired, you can just walk away with your phone and the computer will automatically lock. You can also click the "Lock" button in the app to lock your computer. The computer will automatically unlock when it detects your cell phone (with the Trident app running).
If you're looking for convenience and security, the Halberd is a device worth considering. You'll never have to worry about forgetting to lock your computer again.
Guardian Halberd
