Zorba is a quick and dirty security program which I tossed together for use on our Mac network at work. It’s function is to hinder unauthorized users from using a Mac, by demanding a password upon startup. If a correct password is not entered after 3 attempts, the program will attempt to ShutDown the Mac.
Since it is currently an application it *must* be made a startup application in order to provide security. When using MultiFinder, you may want to launch Zorba when you step away from your computer for a few minutes, to lock others out. I use QuicKeys™ from CE Software to launch Zorba “on top of” my current application with a single keystroke.
Features at a Glance
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• Attempts to ShutDown the Mac if the user cannot enter a correct password (after 3 attempts)
• Characters are masked as they are typed
• Allows 2 passwords to be defined (a regular and master) which are encrypted to prevent discovery by snoopers using resource editors like ResEdit
• Standard command key equivalents can be used to cut, copy, and paste text; and pressing the tab key selects all text
• Optionally displays a screen-sized window to hide the desktop (useful when using MultiFinder)
• Optionally uses a built-in screen saver after 60 seconds of inactivity
• Optionally creates a tab delimited TEXT file log of invalid and/or valid access attempts (differentiating between regular and master passwords)
• Optionally warns users if it has been more than 30, 45, or 60 days since the regular password was changed.
Password and Preferences Editing
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When choosing passwords, think sneaky. Zorba’s passwords are case and space sensitive and may be up to 255 characters long. Try to use words or phrases that cannot be guessed easily. A person's first name or initials are examples of weak passwords. A pair of easily remembered, unrelated words (weasel ship) or words with unusual capitalization (wiNd) or words with unexpected ($jon) punctuation can be very effective.
To change a password or program preferences, launch Zorba, enter the password to be changed, and then select the OK button while holding down the command, option, and shift keys. A new window will appear in which you can enter the new password. Select the ‘Prefs’ button to edit program preferences.
*** The current REGULAR password is: jPw
*** The current MASTER password is: ZorbA
Known Problems
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Since it is an application it loads after INITs, which means it is possible to access a computer using Zorba from another Mac via a network software like TOPS.
Zorba can be bypassed by starting from a floppy disk.
Zorba appears to sometimes have a problem accessing the ShutDown routine when more than one application is made startup on Macs using a Radius monitor with the Radius software enabled.
