KSI Keyboards
Plug-and-Play Walkaway Auto Logoff Security

Data security often boils down to external threats posed by hackers and cybercriminals. In the journey, one critical aspect is usually overlooked—individuals leaving their computers unattended in a busy office environment. This creates potential opportunities for intentional or unintentional internal breaches, compromising the security of sensitive information.

KSI Keyboards (KSI), with nearly 25 years of experience designing and manufacturing desktop security products, is tackling this challenge head-on.

“Over the past few years, our focus has been finding an effective solution for automatically securing a desktop. At a recent healthcare conference in Orlando, Florida, we launched a new product called PresenceLock™, an advanced human presence detection technology that provides auto walkaway logoff security,” says Kevin Krause, Security Consultant/Sales Director.

This hardware and firmware solution detects human presence and locks the workstation as soon as a person leaves it unattended. With an easy plug-and-play feature, the device can be easily deployed and integrated with any operating system, including Windows, Linux and Apple, without the need to install drivers or software. This eliminates the risks of security and identity fraud that come with software installation.

The implementation of this product is where KSI really excels. As a keyboard and peripheral manufacturer, it is well-versed in the issues of installing a new product in a workspace. The PresenceLock presence detection sensor is integrated inside the KSI keyboards, enabling the operating system to recognize the device only as a keyboard. Another advantage of a keyboard solution is its all-in-one aspect that allows clients to have as many as four security devices integrated into the KSI keyboard, thereby using only a single computer USB port. PresenceLock is also available as a monitor clip that simply sticks on the top or bottom of the monitor and becomes operational when plugged into any USB-C or USB-A port. Though the all-in-one single device—keyboard—is an ideal solution for most organizations, the monitor clip is a great and simple alternative for those reluctant to change their keyboard.

KSI uses a combination of AI and hardware to determine the presence of a person and lock the workstation with standard locking commands for each operating system within seconds.

These products can be used across different verticals, from healthcare and banking to higher education and the corporate world. One large hospital network that has used KSI keyboards for years has already integrated and tested PresenceLock technology.

PresenceLock addresses the issue of ensuring ongoing security post-authentication. Upon completing rigorous authentication measures, users have uninterrupted access to desktop platforms until their departure. PresenceLock intelligently discerns user presence and initiates the locking mechanism as soon as they depart, eliminating premature screen locks or timeouts. This helps optimize user convenience as it doesn’t necessitate recurrent re-authentication within short intervals that disrupt workflow efficiency. By avoiding the need for frequent re-authentication and providing customizable and longer timeout parameters, the solution guarantees a secure and flexible desktop authentication experience for users.

Over the past few years, our focus has been finding an effective solution for automatically securing a desktop. At a recent healthcare conference in Orlando, Florida, we launched a new product called PresenceLock™, an advanced human presence detection technology that provides auto walkaway logoff security

Central to PresenceLock is an AI infrastructure embedded within the firmware, facilitating programmable zoning capabilities in the device. This can be invaluable in crowded spaces such as shared workstations or public kiosks established in high-traffic areas. The solution allows users to define precise zones, ranging from a compact perimeter around the device to an entire room. Its versatility extends to tailored timeout configurations as little as five seconds, allowing for swift locking action upon exit from a designated zone.

KSI solutions are configured and customized in the factory to fit specific applications across diverse settings. KSI also collaborates closely with software and hardware partners to integrate high-quality security components – such as fingerprint biometrics, contactless RFID, and low-energy Bluetooth – to accommodate the exacting needs of its customers. Though no additional software is necessary for these pre-configured products, the company offers users a configuration tool to customize and adjust settings internally if required. The application of this technology extends beyond professional settings and can even benefit home users. Users can safeguard sensitive information by simply plugging in the device to their home office setup and preventing unauthorized access to unattended computers by children.

KSI continues leading the security space with its innovative solutions, helping clients protect their sensitive data from internal and external threats.