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UMCP's CoolCAD Kickstarts Its Keychain Computer-Lock

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — CoolCAD Electronics LLC, a University of Maryland-based electronics design company, just launched a 30-day campaign with the popular crowd-funding site Kickstarter for its new GateKeeper Chain security product, a small, colorful key fob that automatically locks your computer when you leave and unlocks it when you return.

The GateKeeper Chain works over Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth SMART) wireless technology, combining a personal sensor with an encrypted connection that allows only its unique key to unlock your computer. The password is encrypted and stored on your PC, not the GK-Chain—so no one can steal it. The result is effortless security for your computer when you walk away, and easy access when you return.

"Our goal is provide people who use computers with optimal security and convenience," said electrical and computer engineering graduate Siddharth Potbhare M.S. '05, Ph.D. '08, who co-founded CoolCAD. "It's easy to forget to lock your computer when you leave your desk, and it's a chore to log back in when you get back. GateKeeper takes care of both."

"Our goal is provide people who use computers with optimal security and convenience," said electrical and computer engineering graduate Siddharth Potbhare M.S. '05, Ph.D. '08, who co-founded CoolCAD. "It's easy to forget to lock your computer when you leave your desk, and it's a chore to log back in when you get back. GateKeeper takes care of both."

Read more on the UMD Right Now page