The iButton allows you to sign an electronic document, store a list of user names/passwords, keep a copy of an ID photo, and accept updates for the e-commerce transactions of new service providers.
DALLAS - A wearable, Java technology-based computer with ample storage for safekeeping all the credentials of an individual was unveiled Thursday by Dallas Semiconductor.
The DS1957B Java-powered iButton on a 2-in-1 Fob serves as both a physical key for touch-and-go access to buildings and a computer key for network log-on as well as e-signatures for the Internet.
Inside the 16mm steel-encased iButton is a Java computer with a 64 kbyte ROM and 134 kbyte RAM that can store over 30 certificates with 1024-bit keys using ISO X.509v3, reportedly the most widely recognized public-key certificate format.
In addition, the DS1957B can store hundreds of user names and passwords, a color ID picture, and the application programs of many different service providers.
All personal credentials are both cryptographically and physically secure on the steel-armored chip, wear-tested for 10 years of durability to ensure extreme up-time.
Whether issued by a corporation for its employees or acquired by an individual from Dallas Semiconductor's online store, the Java-powered iButton can span personal, corporate, financial and governmental applications.
The iButton can have multiple Java applets resident at the same time for applications including:
- access control to buildings and equipment
- secure network log-on using challenge/response authentication
- storage vault for user names and passwords
- user profile for rapid Internet form-filling
- digital signatures for e-commerce
- United States Postal Service Postal Security Device for PC
- Postage downloadable over the Internet
- digital ID photo and fingerprint biometrics
If logically attacked, the firewall of the iButton prevents access to the private keys. If physically attacked, the iButton has a tamper response that erases the private key rather than reveal it in order to preserve confidentiality.
"The Java-powered iButton can be worn on the accessory of choice," said Michael Bolan, vice president of product development, Dallas Semiconductor. "Dallas Semiconductor offers a ring, watch, wallet, badge holders, metal card, and key fob - accessories that are for close keeping at all times and that people are well-practiced at not losing.
"Dallas' newest accessory, the 2-in-1 Fob, supports dual use for both physical and computer access control. One end of the fob holds an iButton for door entry and the other end has a protected Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector for universal access to computers."
