Kerveros

 

Project Name: Kerveros

 

Device: Prototype of a self-controlled PC case with 2-way safeguard preventing unauthorized physical access to computer's data.

 

Purpose: Hobbiest project focused on hardware security methods and automated temperature management

 

Project Goals:

• Biometric security control for user permission

• Physical security control for access to turn it on

• Temperature control for all the vital sub-systems

• Rea-ltime temperature feedback 

• Easily accessible to backup Hard Drive and to optical media

• Efficient air flow through all the sub-systems

• Plenty of space for many storage components

• Preventing water leakage

• Eliminating the fear of physical damage of stored data

 

Features: 

• 4 temperature sensors

• 1 leakage detector

• 7 fans

• 3 waterblocks

• ​1 voltage-contolled high capacity water pump

• 2 radiators

• 1 custom made external tank

• 1 LCD Screen 16x2

• 1 electric lock

• 1 fingerprint scanner

• 4 7-segment display

• 1 13-segment display

• 1 alarm buzzer

 

Basic Use: 

Kerveros PC concerns an ideal model of hardware protected computer that you need a certain physical key in order to turn it on and the owner's fingerprint to log in. The use of the key gives access to the control panels so as to power it on or to shut-down and to the biometric control for authorized access to the operating system. If you don't have both of them you can not access the stored data. It has been built as secure as possible for a server machine keeping backups of its data using RAID 0+1 hard drive arrays in the inner side of the left "leg". The right "leg" contains the main part of the custom made water cooling system and the optical media. There is a leakage sensor notifying the user for any possible leak. That shape is well-studied for the most physical malfunction case to prevent the most valuable part of a server machine which is the storage components.

 

In addition, Kerveros PC is a self-cooled  machine which is capable to regulate the temperature of its components. When the workload is high, the fans and the water pump receive a signal to work faster and keep the temperature at the same level as in the idle state. This actually prevents the computer from any possible forced reboot. Also, the control panels and the displays behind the robotic doors provide feedback or work as input for new control patterns.

 

 

Benefits:

• Safe data and easily accessible only for machine owner

• Privacy of data

• Full control potential for any required need of a power user (fan speed, pump speed, motherboard jumpers and CMOS reset via accessible switches)

• No need to care about overheating

• Alarm for any potential physical malfunction of the cooling system

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Other uses:

Adding an autonomous Wi-Fi module on that automation system, it could be a good idea if we need to receive notifications about any unauthorized attempts to gain access to it or remote monitoring and management of the operating conditions via a smartphone application.