GridLock is a Freeware security application designed to simplify, speed up and increase the security of your Palm device without using text based passwords. It uses a simple 5x5 grid of squares to represent a unique pattern that is used instead of a normal text `password`. GridLock automatically locks the device whenever the machine is turned off, to unlock it the user taps their unique pattern onto the grid.

The Palm range of PDAs come with a built in password protection security feature which requires entering text into the Palm to unlock it, this can be both a time consuming and frustrating business. A relatively secure password needs to be at least 8 characters long, which either has to be typed in using the on screen keyboard, or via the Graffiti interface which although is generally quicker than using a keyboard, is prone to errors.

GridLock speeds up this process while still maintaining a high degree of security by employing a grid of 5x5 of black and white squares. With an effective 33.5 million different patterns or `combinations` this roughly translates to a 7 digit numeric combination lock† that is commonly found on padlocks or bicycles chains. With a suitably unique grid, it is not only unfeasible to try and guess the combination it is also virtually impossible to `brute force` the grid by trying every combination. GridLock has no backdoors, it is not possible to perform a HotSync while the device is locked and even after a `pin in hole` Soft Reset GridLock will still be active. Therefore while GridLick is enabled your data in safe from prying eyes. (Please read the N.B below)

GridLock overrides the built-in Security Application and activates itself whenever the device is turned off.. You may notice that the built-in Security Icon disappears when you install GridLock, if this happens do not worry, it is still available by clicking on the Security Options button on the main GridLock window. When you delete GridLock the Security Application Icon will return. It is not necessary to assign a Security Password because GridLock replaces the functionality of the Security Application even after a Soft Reset (pin in hole, with or without pressing the Cursor Up key)

To install GridLock simply double click on the GridLock.prc file on your PC or Macintosh and perform a HotSync. Your Palm should then tell you that it needs to perform a Soft Reset to continue. This is normal behavior to prevent problems with other applications. When removing GridLock we recommend either disabling it beforehand or performing a Soft Reset immediately afterwards.

To run GridLock, tap on the icon labeled GridLock on your Palm Launcher window.

After clicking on the GridLock application Icon click on the -Unassigned- box next to Passgrid: to define your grid. Using the Palm`s stylus, tap on the squares to flip them from white to black (and vica versa), once you have designed a grid that you find easy to remember click the Done button at the top right of the screen. You will then be asked to verify your PassGrid by entering it again, if succesful you will be taken back to the main screen. You can now activate GridLock by clicking on Enable GridLock.

Whenever your Palm is turned off it will be automatically locked. To unlock it you will have to enter your unique Grid pattern again. Once unlocked you will have full access to the Palm until it is turned off again.

N.B. There has recently been alot of press about a security hole in PalmOS that allows access to any Palm device connected to a serial cable. This back-door can be opened even when the machine is locked by entering a hidden Graffiti shortcut normally used for debugging purposes. GridLock will check for this hole and bring up a window asking you if you would like to have it fixed. It does this by permantly removing the offending shortcuts from your machine.

Please also note that with GridLock enabled it is not possible to gain access to the Palm without your unique Grid pattern, even after a Soft Reset. If you forget your pattern your only options is to do a full hard Reset by inserting a pin in the small hole at the back of the machine while holding the cursor Down button. *This will erase the contents of entire machine*

In some cases you may only want to secure your Palm after a certain amount of time has elapsed, for instance you`re chatting on the phone and taking notes on the Palm, after a few minutes of inactivity your Palm will turn itself off to preserve battery life. Each time your turn it back on, you will have unlock it again. To get around this, GridLock has a LockDelay feature that allows you set the amount of time that the Palm has to be off before it automatically locks the device. Using this feature it is possible to turn the Palm off and on within a few mintues, without having to unlock it every time.

We will include other options in later versions depending on how popular the GridLock method of locking the Palm proves to be. We also make a biometric signature based security application called JotLoc (http://www.pdabusiness.com/jotloc) that contains features that should hopefully find their way into GridLock at a later date, such as Auto-Backlight, individual Day and Times lock periods etc.

If for some reason another application causes problems with GridLock, or if GridLock itself becomes unable to start up, there a few things to try;

1. If you can unlock your Palm, delete GridLock and re-install it.

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2. Place a pin in the small hole at the back of the machine. This wall cause a Soft Reset. It will not erase any data but it will clear temporary memory and restart all applications.

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3. Do the same as 2. but while inserting the pin, keep the Cursor UP key pressed down. This will Soft Reset the machine and prevent any applications from restarting. GridLock will still appear but you will have to re-enable it once you have unlocked the device.

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4. Last resort, WARNING: THIS WILL ERASE ALL DATA. Place a pin in the hole and keep the Cursor Down key pressed. . After doing this, perform a HotSync to re-install your applications and data.

GridLock is freeware. You are welcome to use this software for as long as you want, give it to your friends, put links to it on your web page or distribute it on CDs or magazines. But please don`t sell it.

22.3.2001 - Version 1.0, first release.

 

If you have any comments, suggestions or bug reports for GridLock please direct them to: support@pdabusiness.com

PDAbusiness.com (www.pdabusiness.com) make a number of applications for both the Palm range of PDAs and for PC. We try and design games and utilities that are simple to use, useful and reasonably priced.

Our software lineup includes..

TankPilot for Palm ($7.95) Works on all Palm devices First 3D Shoot-Em-Up 50 Levels of classic action Tanks,Missiles, Mines etc.. Auto-aim HUD Easy Install Small memory footprint	Void for Palm ($9.95) Works on all Palm devices 3D Adventure Space game Advanced AI & Physics Battle & Trade with aliens Complete Missions Dock with Space Stations Small memory footprint
Pool for Palm ($7.95) Works on all Palm devices Realistic physics model Simple design Auto save/load game Customize cushions/balls Rotatable table High Score display	JotLoc for Palm ($11.95) Works on all Palm devices Fast and Simple security Simple Picture based entry Lock Off/On Days & Times Auto Backlight Used by medical, banking Small memory footprint
Qlock for Windows (Freeware) Qlock is designed to be a quick, stylish, simple yet powerful world clock that you can be proud of having on your desktop. It allows you to create multiple clock faces from a selection of over 500 countries, each of which can have customized color schemes, sizes, alarms and display options.

 

 

While every effort has been made to ensure that GridLock is as bug-free as possible, the author nor Palm can be held responsible for any damage caused by loss of data, equipment or life while using this software. Please make sure that you have a backup of your data before installing GridLock in case something goes wrong.