I 've been thinking (which always spells trouble :) ) about my raspberrypi thin client

[G+_610GARAGE]

I've been thinking (which always spells trouble :) ) about my raspberrypi thin client. It might be nice if I implement some sort of identification system so that anybody can walk up to a terminal and log into their VM.

 

I was thinking of using a smart card system and wanted to get your guys opinion. It seems like it's possible but I am unsure how practical it will be. I would like the card to store the vm address, username and password. I would also like to ignore entering a pin. Yes I know, but I'm dealing with my parents here (they own the business). 

 

RFID would probably simpler, but I like the idea of leaving the card in the slot while in use, then when the user pulls it out, the terminal locks down. Is there a better solution?

 

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ I was also thinking that an introduction to smart cards would make for a good segment. Explaining what they are used for and how they work.

[G+_Eddie Foy]

I still would go the RFID/NFC,  Could be a keychain or phone, etc.

BT via phone could work too.

[G+_Black Merc]

Any USB device can be used as a key to do exactly what you want. It can be as simple as a text file that identifies mom as mom or dad as dad, or as complex as the exact identifier of the USB device. A simple routine as 'ifexist' to detect a file or device is or is not present.

[G+_Eddie Foy]

Yubikey?

[G+_610GARAGE]

Black Merc Thats a good idea, however, plugging and unplugging in a usb device, like a flash drive, seems like it would make it more difficult rather than easier. If I don't make it easy enough, they won't use it.

 

Now that I think about it, a smart card might have the same issue. Especially when they bother me about it not working because they inserted the card upside down. :)

 

Eddie Foy Yea, I think you may be right, RFID/NFC would be best. The more that I think about that option, the better it seems. Even when you subtract cool factor (what smart cards seem cooler :) ). With NFC, I should be able to use my phone to emulate any of their cards and allow me to log into any of their vms. Then I could just run a script to monitor activity, and disconnect after some time has passed.

 

Now I just need a NFC reader that plays well with the pi and doesn't emulate a keyboard. Unless there's some way to redirect the emulated NFC reader so that a program can read the data, but doesn't interfere with normal keyboard operations.

[G+_Black Merc]

Arduino + NFC reader...

 

the arduino monitors NFC acting as hid, passes keyboard shortcuts to login, passes NFC info too.... presto login.

 

Nfc dropout, keyboard shortcut to computer to logout.

The arduino can do it so fast they will think "magic".

[G+_610GARAGE]

Black Merc Yea, thats an option. But I am hoping to keep it all on the pi. I like simplicity. I did find a reader that shows promise. They say it works on the pi, but I'll see.

 

amazon.com/gp/product/B00HFX9OHA