OmniServ.exe Description : |
Softex OmniPass Service. Service installed by the OmniPass Client Edition security software. Softex's description at the time of writing, 8-Sep-2006 : "A Windows Based Application to Manage Multiple Passwords and protect user data. Whether you are a Home, Small Business or large Corporate user, the OmniPass family of products can protect user data, solve the problem of multiple passwords and poor password practices (simple passwords that are written down on a notepad) and increase security all while simplifying the end user experience. OmniPass allows a user to encrypt/decrypt data and login to their local PC, home or corporate network, websites and applications with a wide choice of authentication mechanisms (fingerprint scanners, smart cards, TPM…etc.) or a single password (Single Sign-On). For corporations this reduces operational costs and improves employee productivity; for individuals it makes using their PC much more convenient and secure. Scalable Authentication Framework - OmniPass is designed to work in conjunction with a wide variety of authentication devices. OmniPass supports the most advanced fingerprint recognition technologies from companies such as AuthenTec and UPEK. These fingerprint technologies are available as peripherals or integrated into notebooks from companies such as APC and Lenovo International. OmniPass supports smart cards from major suppliers such as Gemalto and G&D and the latest security chip technology being added to most laptops - the Trusted Platform Modules (TPM). OmniPass also supports authentication tokens, proximity badges and other proprietary security devices from multiple vendors. New authentication technologies are being created every day and the OmniPass Scalable Authentication Framework (OSAF) allows support for those technologies to be easily added to our product. Secure Windows Logon - Graphical Identification and Authentication or GINA is the screen that appears when you first login into windows or you select CTRL+ALT+DEL on your keyboard. OmniPass extends the Windows GINA by adding security and convenience to authenticate users before granting access to the Windows desktop. OmniPass enables strong authentication by allowing users to authenticate with single or multiple authentication factors. For enterprise users OmniPass login policies are configurable per user or on a per machine basis.".
In our experience this program is usually found on laptops which have a built-in fingerprint reader which you can use to login to your laptop - this program reads your fingerprint and logs you in to the laptop and to any networks or Internet connections that you normally log into with your usual password, all in one swipe of your finger on the fingerprint reader.
Configuration of OmniPass is usually done through "Programs \ Softex \ OmniPass Control Center". |
OmniServ.exe Recommendation : |
Down to end-user requirements. If you do not use fingerprint authentication (authentication is the process of login in to your laptop/PC), and you prefer the traditional method of login into your laptop, then you can disable this task by setting its Startup Mode to Disabled on the Services tab. Also disable SCUREAPP on the Startups tab of TUT. This task, together with the other two tasks associated with it, OPXPAPP & SCUREAPP, use a total of 35Mb of memory.
Note : If you cannot remember whether you or someone else has ever configured OmniPass on your laptop, then leave this task alone as interfering with it when it has been configured to integrate with the Windows login, can have undesirable results. We ourselves have never had a problem doing the above, but at the same time we do know that OmniPass often gets integrated into the login when the user first uses the laptop after purchase. During that initial session some users will have said YES to questions they did not fully understand and this will have resulted in OmniPass being integrated into the login, hence this warning. If you find you are unable to login to your laptop after making the above changes (extremely rare but it is a possibility), then boot your laptop into Safe Mode by repeatedly hitting the F8 key after you've turned ON your laptop, till you get a menu with Safe Mode as one of the options. Once in Safe Mode, start TUT up and reverse the changes you made. Then reboot into Normal Mode. Remember, there is no harm in simply leaving this task running even if you do not use it - all that happens is that you forsake 35Mb of memory. |
