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  • EyeLock Myris is a USB eye scanner offering security that's unique to you

    by 
    Billy Steele
    Billy Steele
    01.10.2014

    When it comes to unique passcodes, it doesn't get much more secure that an eye scan. Thanks to EyeLock's Myris, you'll be able to create super complex passwords that you won't have to remember -- using a USB-powered add-on to authenticate your identity instead. Myris is about the size of a makeup compact and is cloaked in a blue cloth exterior. On the backside, there's the camera that's lined with a light ring, changing color to indicate where you are in the scanning process. It starts light blue, then changes to dark blue at the start before finally showing green when it's complete. Once connected to the aforementioned port on your laptop or PC, the device takes a scan of your eyes to set up its defenses with the help of a companion app. That capture takes about 15 seconds while moving the camera toward the eyes from arm's length and then backing it away. In the process, Myris snaps a whole library of images before converting them to a video-based template unique to up to five users. The software allows the setup of those insane passwords and manages profiles in order to complete the configuration. When using the gadget to unlock the item of choice, Myris completes its scan in less than a second. There is a bit of a learning curve in terms of how to best hold the device so it can do its thing, but we were able to get the hang of it after a couple of tries. Instead of happening on the computer it's tethered to, authentication happens on the device in a specific sequence of events. The company says this will keep identities secure in the event of theft or loss. In terms of security, the peripheral supports AES 256-bit encryption while working with Windows, Mac OS X and Chrome OS to lock down things like email, online banking, internet VPNs, workstations and more. Myris is set to arrive sometime this spring and we're told that the price tag will be under $300. What's more, the future implications for cramming this security into laptops and desktop machines may make the most compelling case for EyeLock's tech. For now, jump past the break for a quick demo of how it works.