iTwin - Engineering Seminar

ABSTRACT

A USB flash drive is a data storage device that consists of flash memory with an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. A Cloud Storage is also a similar case where in the data is stored remotely and is accessed whenever needed.  But a drawback of this USB flash drives is it’s small size cause of which it can easily be misplaced or lost. This is a particular problem if the data it contains is sensitive and confidential. In Cloud Storages the data can be stolen or misused if the username and password of an account to access the storage is hacked by someone. There are many more drawbacks like limited storage, no security, back up, temp files, no remote disable etc.

iTwin is a 'limitless' secure USB device that enables users to access, edit & share all their files & media between any two online computers anywhere in the world. The only limit is the size of your computer’s hard drive. iTwin is an innovative solution that allows remote file access without the security and privacy risks of the cloud and USB flash drives. It’s very easy to access as a USB device and no special installation is required. iTwin uses thoroughly analyzed crypto protocols and algorithms(AES 256 bit encryption). It has features like bi-directional file access, no temp files, remote disable, smart key generation, password support and twintrust authentication.

INTRODUCTION

What is an iTwin?

iTwin is a revolutionary new file sharing and remote access device brought to you by a company called iTwin. It's like two ends of a cable, without the cable. It's as simple to use as a flash drive. It’s literally plug and play.

iTwin can connect any two online computers anywhere in the world. iTwin enables you to have access to any or all of your home computer's files and folders while you're on-the-go. Similarly, you can also use iTwin to access to any or all of your office computer's files and folders while on-the-go. There's no in-built limit to the amount of storage you can access with iTwin while you're on-the-go. The only limit is the size of your hard drives. The only other "limit" is the speed of your Internet connection. The faster it is, the better your experience. 

You can select files for accessing later on-the-go, or you can edit them remotely, without the files leaving your computer. You can also back-up files to your home or office computer while you're out on-the-go. It's so easy, it's unbelievable.

Who invented iTwin?

iTwin was invented by an Indian named Lux Anantharaman. After achieving a Bachelors degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from IIT in Chennai and a Masters degree from IISc in Bangalore, Lux worked first as an IT security researcher at the Institute of Systems Science, Singapore and then as senior researcher at Kent Ridge Digital Labs and the Institute for Infocomm Research.  Lux specializes in PKI implementations, efficient digital certificate revocations and usable security. Lux was pursuing a part-time MBA at NUS Business School, Singapore, but put studies on hold because of potential of iTwin.

How to use iTwin? 

When you connect iTwin, you'll see a regular window pop-up, just as you would if you plugged in a regular USB flash drive. Drag and drop files and folders into this window to share them - as many as you want. Leave your computer with one half of iTwin connected to it. Detach the other half of iTwin and take it with you. Wherever you go, you can remotely access the shared files, simply by plugging the half you are carrying into any online Windows computer, anywhere. iTwin allows you to transfer files to - or from - your home computer. Or your office computer. Or your friend's, or your colleague's! iTwin also allows you to edit the shared files on a remote computer, while keeping them on that remote computer, (no need to transfer those files before you edit them).

FEATURES

1. Like A Limitless Capacity Secure USB Drive

iTwin allows you to securely access your entire hard drive. It's as if you are carrying an access-key to all your files in a device that fits in the palm of your hand. And unlike portable storage, iTwin lets your data stay safely at home (or in the office).

2. Remotely edit shared files

Remotely edit any shared file from any location. iTwin allows you to keep a single version on one computer, with you and your chosen iTwin partner collaborating directly on this version. Say goodbye to multiple versions of files flying around by email.

3. Backup your data from anywhere

When you are on the road, you can use iTwin to move copies of files from your laptop to your home or office computer. If you are traveling and taking lots of pictures, you can free up your SD card by moving files onto your laptop and transferring them back home. It keeps your data safe and secure.

4. One-time cost. No fees, ever

Don't pay for cloud storage. Don't pay subscription fees for file access. Don't get locked in. You have all the storage you need on your computer and home hard drive. With iTwin, share it and access it from anywhere.

5. Data Security

iTwin doesn't store any data on itself.  It just enables a secure connection between two computers.  Your remote data can only be accessed if you have the physical iTwin with you.  Additionally, you can set up your iTwin to require a password. iTwin includes a feature that allows you to remotely disable the connection should you lose your remote iTwin half.  So you can rest assured that your data is safe, even if you lose your iTwin device.  If you have ever lost a portable memory device, you know that terrible feeling.  We want to make sure this never happens to you again. It even makes use of AES(256 bit key encryption) in order to transfer the data from one computer to another.

UNIQUE FEATURES

1. Smart key generation

Two iTwins together generate a random 256-bit AES key, everytime they are physically paired and plugged into a computer. Smart Key generation is assisted by the computer to add randomness. Smart crypto key resides only on the two halves of the paired iTwin. Smart Crypto key is used for encrypting all data traffic between two iTwins.

2. No “Temp Files”

Unplug iTwin and all temp files are purged automatically. This is especially useful when using a computer that does not belong to you.

3. Password support

iTwin even provides password support. Passwords of any length can be set. Unlike other web services, iTwin's password is stored on itself, not on any server. If you forget your password, simply pair both halves of your iTwin, plug them into a computer and set a new password. No need for tech support!

4. Bi-Directional File Access

When using iTwin, the connection between the 2 computers is completely symmetrical. Access, copy, backup & remotely edit files on computer A from computer B, and on B from A. You will have access to files on both A and B

5. iTwin is like the two ends of a cable, without the cable.

iTwin is just like a wireless device connecting two systems and securely transferring data between them.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Software requirements

Requires min. 512 MB, 1GB RAM recommended.

Requires 15 MB hard-disk space. 

USB 2.0 port. 

Requires broad-band Internet access.

CONCLUSION

The iTwin - A fantastic solution for the home user who wishes to access and change their files remotely and securely. The iTwin bypasses the virtual world of cloud services to turn your physical storage into its own networking solution. The iTwin is simple to use and inexpensively solves the Dropbox limitations.  For those who want to keep files up-to-date between two computers the iTwin is for you.