Once you start using your Palm handheld computer regularly, it’s quite natural that you store sensitive data on it—passwords, credit card numbers, bank account details, etc. You probably wonder whether your data is safe. In this article Ashish Gupta introduces you to some powerful security software

The in-built option
The Palm OS has a basic security option. Go to System/Security and enable the password if you haven’t already done so. This will allow you to password-protect data in the Address Book, Memo Pad, Date Book and To Do applications. Password protected data can then be hidden from the casual observer. You also have the option to turn off and lock the device. This option will ask you for your password on power-on, before you are allowed to view any data. Once you set a password, it’s a good idea to go to System/Prefs/Owner and add your contact details there in case you lose your device. For the security-conscious user, the in-built security option is rather limited. Here are some third-party applications that improve the security of your Palm device.

Handmark MobileSafe
MobileSafe, previously known as Mobile Account Manager, is the original Palm software to securely store
your passwords, pin numbers, login IDs, credit cards, etc. MobileSafe now includes MobilesSafe-PC to view, edit, add and delete MobileSafe data on your Windows machine.

OnlyMe
This software automatically locks your Palm device whenever the device is turned off. OnlyMe is quick, easy, and secure. If you misplace your device, OnlyMe will ensure that no one can read the data on the device. Since the software locks your device whenever the screen is turned off, you do nothing special to ensure the privacy of your information. Entering your OnlyMe password can be as easy as making one quick gesture with your stylus or finger. And your device returns to the state that it was last in.

Teal Lock
A secure automatic locking program, TealLock from TealPoint Software enhances Palm OS security with additional layers of protection and more functionality available. Features include serial and infrared lockout, data encryption, optional data self-destruct and numerous exclusive activation and customisation options, including flexible timed activation, configurable locking screen and Graffiti shortcuts for locking the device and hiding private records. Customisation features include automatic activation on power-off, timed activation, hardware button mapping, masked passwords, on-screen keypads, lock screen images, animated backgrounds, time and date display, and guest passwords.

QuickID
QuickID securely stores important and sensitive personal and business information you can have at hand wherever you go. It comes with predefined categories and properties but allows modification and customisation. The program secures total access and control of each of the items. You can yourself choose whether to lock a particular item. Your data is protected by BLOWFISH, a 16-pass block encryption algorithm, which is fast and safe.

Secret! 3.0
Industrial strength security (128 bit IDEA) for your most sensitive data, like passwords, PINs, credit card numbers etc. Fast, easy to use password entry, unique security features like encrypt-on-auto-off. Data is never stored unencrypted.

Easy Lock
Many users do not secure their devices because they don’t want to enter a password all the time. EasyLock tries to solve this dilemma. It is the first security application for Palm OS that approaches the problem the other way round by trying to minimise the number of password entries. Instead of entering a password at every power-on, you have to login by pressing one or two buttons at power-on within a short timeframe. If you fail to press the correct buttons in time, the device will lock and require a password entry. An excellent option if you don’t like remembering and entering passwords at every power-on, or if you constantly power on and off your device.

Thumb Scan
This is a fun application that scans your thumbprint on the Palm’s screen. Fool friends into thinking that your Palm handheld computer can scan and recognise your fingerprints. Actually, the scan will always fail until you hold down the special key, and since your friends won’t know this, they will always get an access denied message when they try their fingerprints. You just have to slyly press the secret button while you scan yours.

Ashish Gupta is the founder and president of The Indian Palm User Group. He can be reached at ash@notcomguys.com