Project linButton

Developing support for the Java iButton under Linux

Have you read about the Java iButton ?

The Java iButton is a really cool security device similar to a Smart Card. This device is cool because unlike most smart cards it is very durable, very compact and surprisingly inexpensive with the iButtons starting from US$16, and a serial reader from US$15.

The intent of this project is to provide support for the iButton under Linux to enable the device to be used for user authentication and secured applications. Sample applications could be:

  • Storage of User Credentials such as PGP Keys, SSH Keys, IP-Sec keys ect
  • Integration with Linux Applications for a more secured environment
  • Stronger authentication of Users than the traditional username/password
  • Can be used for a variety of applications - the limit is your imagination

    • As an example - say you used an IP-Sec compliant VPN (ie - FreeSwan) to connect from home to work. Your PC at home would have to be configured to enable the VPN to be established, which would include the installation of authentication credentials on the PC (such as an encrypted certificate) to allow the PC to be recognised by your work systems.

    Who is using your PC when you are at work ? How secure is it ?

    By using Smartcard technology such as the iButton you could encode the required credentials into your iButton - and TAKE IT WITH YOU. Without these credentials the services can not be used, and as the iButton is proof to duplication and tampering your credentials are secure.

    Want to know more ?

  • The iButton home page
  • Java(TM)-powered iButton(TM) article on the solutions.sun.com site
  • An Introduction to the Java Ring - Java World 1998.

    • About this project

    This is a new project looking at the integration and use of these devices specifically under Linux, potentially under any Unix system. Initially this project will provide documentation on how to setup and start working with the Java iButton under Linux, ultimately it will provide the tools necessary for working with, managing and integrating the Java iButton with the Linux environment.

    These are *Very* Early days for this project, and as a result I am looking for people to help contribute to the project and bring these devices into the mainstream for Linux. This could be as simple as providing help reviewing documentation (I apologise in advance for the shoddy grammar!) or this could be help designing and building the integration layers for Linux.

    This project has a fairly large scope, so people can make it be whatever they need. (Ok - I may have to control scope later - but lets get a scope first!). I intend to develop console and X11 security integration, and then see where things head.

    It is important to note - this project has not at this stage been endorsed by either Sun Microsystems, nor has it been endorsed by Dallas Semiconductor. This may happen in the future - but lets have something to endorse first!.

    The first release of this project should be out by April 22 2000 and will provide a HOWTO on getting the devices running under Linux, and a number of utilities to aid developing software for the iButton under Linux. After that we shall see.

    Want to get involved ?

  • 1. Enroll in Sourceforge.
  • 2. Mail me your user ID and I will add you to the project. email:jasonb@users.sourceforge.net
  • 3. Join the Developer mailing list.
  • 4. And we shall see from there.

    • This project is hosted by Sourceforge.net Thanks Guys... Sourceforge Logo