Ok, so I am looking at being able to disable the output from a computer to a monitor to prevent unauthorized people from viewing/using the computer.
Can I just disable the +5V feed (or ground) on the DVI cable and re-enable as required.
The computer is in a remote location so not easy to get to. The plan is to use a relay system (to disable the DVI) tied via bluetooth to the "control pad" (password/RFID swip/etc).
just turn on the password for loading the o/s bios
Thanks - probably should have made it clear that it needs to be controlled/monitored by an outside source by central software ("control pad") - no the software can not be installed on this computer as there is not a Linux version of it, plus said computer is not on the same network.
Thanks - probably should have made it clear that it needs to be controlled/monitored by an outside source by central software ("control pad") - no the software can not be installed on this computer as there is not a Linux version of it, plus said computer is not on the same network.
On the other hand, what you can do is install a "tamper evident" plug that is strategically numbered. They can still easily break the plug out, but you would at least know that they did this. Do a search for "tamper evident" and computer port.
Use a remote power strip and just turn off the monitor when its not needed. Don't have to mess with the computer or hack any cables just turn off the monitor.
Thanks for the replies, but let me try to explain this again:
1) the computer is isolated from the operators room, so they will not be able to bypass/tamper with any of the connections.
2) The monitors, keyboard and mouse are located in the operator room.
3) access needs to be limited to those authorized to used it - AND - their time used needs to be logged that they use it for.
4) The system that keeps track of the data logging is a stand alone system - SO - - stand alone computer needs to talk to the isolated computer to say xx is ok to use it. - stand alone computer needs to log usage time for xx.
5) remote power strip will work, except the monitors are plugged into the power inside the same room they are in, so easy to bypass unless it can be locked down some how.
There is software that will do this, but will not work as there is no Linux version.
The stand alone computer's software has the ability to operate a remote relay box (which will be located in the isolated room) which can be used to disable something. I was thinking of disabling the monitor output so they can't see anything on the screen until the stand alone computer says they can and starts recording their usage. I could also just tap into the keyboard or mouse plug for the same effect - it is just easier to to open the DVI connector (as it is not molded). So it is nothing to open the DVI connector, cut one of the wires and install a remote controlled relay.
Anyways - maybe I will just try it (cutting the 5v or ground wire) and see what happens.
[This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 09-01-2017).]
Why not just eliminate the monitor, kb and mouse on the isolated machine (or leave them in the isolated environment) and just forward control through something like XDMCP? Does "controlbyweb" handle user authentication and can it execute a script upon login?
I''m not even going to offer a solution. No clue which DVI variant you are busting open. Bring your soldering iron and a bench setup, those wires are 22-26 gauge. Fire 1 or 2 of the offenders. IF they know they shouldn't do whatever the hell it is you have issue with, termination is the simplest fix. This whole thread is riddled with solutions you don't like, go to the root.
I''m not even going to offer a solution. No clue which DVI variant you are busting open. Bring your soldering iron and a bench setup, those wires are 22-26 gauge. Fire 1 or 2 of the offenders. IF they know they shouldn't do whatever the hell it is you have issue with, termination is the simplest fix. This whole thread is riddled with solutions you don't like, go to the root.
Hard to fire people if you don't know who they are - besides the situation is unique (government building, research lab, Phd's (do I have to say more about that last one?).
The point here is that the data is being used for billing purposes - if they are not logging the use, how the hell can you bill them? No cameras are not an option as much as we would like to there is the whole privacy issue - so don't go there (you will hurt someone feelings). lol
Anyways - forget I asked...
[This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 09-03-2017).]
Hard to fire people if you don't know who they are - besides the situation is unique (government building, research lab, Phd's (do I have to say more about that last one?).
The point here is that the data is being used for billing purposes - if they are not logging the use, how the hell can you bill them? No cameras are not an option as much as we would like to there is the whole privacy issue - so don't go there (you will hurt someone feelings). lol
Anyways - forget I asked...
I understand termination is a bit of an extreme for something that sounds so trivial and needed. Put a fused line in and take the fuse with you when you go. This really sounds more like a teaching opportunity than anything else though.
Hard to fire people if you don't know who they are - besides the situation is unique (government building, research lab, Phd's (do I have to say more about that last one?).
The point here is that the data is being used for billing purposes - if they are not logging the use, how the hell can you bill them? No cameras are not an option as much as we would like to there is the whole privacy issue - so don't go there (you will hurt someone feelings). lol
Anyways - forget I asked...
my god if my employer can have a user name and password for every employee and can trac whom and when and how long they are signed in, on that unit.to get into the h.r. system, they a government dept sure as hell can.. You want to lock up the unit and have a remote turn on that requires them to be able to reach you or anyone else with the remote switch.. if this is that big of an issue,, wire the power outlet to a switch away from the unit to keep the info on the screen out of view of a camera, but there can be a camera recording the switch and whom threw it and when.. This sounds more like you just want to $%# with someone than anything reasonable.
[This message has been edited by E.Furgal (edited 09-04-2017).]
my god if my employer can have a user name and password for every employee and can trac whom and when and how long they are signed in, on that unit.to get into the h.r. system, they a government dept sure as hell can.. You want to lock up the unit and have a remote turn on that requires them to be able to reach you or anyone else with the remote switch.. if this is that big of an issue,, wire the power outlet to a switch away from the unit to keep the info on the screen out of view of a camera, but there can be a camera recording the switch and whom threw it and when.. This sounds more like you just want to $%# with someone than anything reasonable.
I got a similar take out of this. Plenty of options were presented. I feel like this is a problem that is being created. A fused plug would sold it. Get a blade style then pop it in and out. Regardless, I hope he gets something to his satisfaction.
