PrivateEye could protect U.S. DoD privacy

Product

August 17, 2011

Could U.S. DoD workers using laptops outside (or even inside) the office use a PrivateEye?

Could U.S. DoD workers using laptops outside (or even inside) the office use a PrivateEye? We think so – if that PrivateEye is the security software incarnated by Oculis Labs, anyway. Able to find its home on Panasonic Solutions Company’s rugged MIL-STD-810G-compliant Toughbook 31, C1 convertible tablet, and 53 semi-rugged notebook models – among other computers – PrivateEye works to thwart the attempts of “visual eavesdroppers” looking over someone’s shoulder at a computer screen on which they aren’t authorized to view information. Specifically, the software uses facial recognition of authorized computer user(s). When the authorized user looks away from the screen or leaves the computer, the on-screen data is instantly blurred and thereby rendered unreadable; when the user returns to their desk or turns back toward the screen, the text on the screen becomes legible again. Also, if the software detects a visual eavesdropper at any time, the screen blurs instantly and an alert is sent in one of three ways: 1) A video showing the eavesdropper appears on the computer screen; 2) an audible alarm is sounded; or 3) a balloon popup occurs on a system tray.

The good news is all that’s needed is a compatible laptop or computer that has a webcam. And simple GUI control makes it easy to change settings. For instance, the user or IT staff can choose security settings such as “high security” and “normal use” – or customize their own. Taskbar control also makes it easy for users to resume or pause PrivateEye, and an Auto Start option enables PrivateEye to boot up when the system does. And there’s not much to lose – Oculis Labs even offers a free trial download.