If a user wearing the system's security token walks away from his or her laptop, the system senses it and begins securing the computer by encrypting all data

If a user wearing the system's security token walks away from his or her laptop, the system senses it and begins securing the computer by encrypting all data. If the user then returns within range, the computer begins unlocking data so work can resume. A new wearable system aims to simplify computer security and put an end to data breaches that occur when laptops are lost. Zero-Interaction Authentication, or ZIA, relies on the advanced encryption standard (AES) to keep data on mobile computers available only to their rightful users, said University of Michigan professor Brian Noble, one of the engineers who created the system. Noble, who is an assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science, told NewsFactor that the system works by encrypting all data on a disk all the time. Data can be decrypted only through use of a special token designed for the purpose. The UM researchers echo other computer security experts who contend that even the most dependable security system in the world is useless if it is turned off, which is often the case with complicated encryption schemes or routines. "To be effective, security must be usable," Noble said. "While individuals claim to care about security, if security imposes a burden, often it is thrown out. ZIA ... aims to add security without adding user burden."