Click any image to enlarge it.

Identity theft. Bank records. Credit card numbers. Passwords. Everyone is concerned about security.

I used to keep photocopies of all my credit cards in case of theft, and I know people who still write their passwords down on their blotters or desk calendars. But there is a simpler solution: SplashID. If my wallet disappears, I only need to open up SplashID and call to cancel each credit card company using the information safely encrypted inside. SplashID also comes with a desktop component and conduit so that (heaven forbid!) your Treo disappears along with your wallet, you can access your information anyway.

SplashID is now at version 4.0, and security has never been simpler. It even has a Getting Started Wizard!

The first thing you need to do is set a master password. This password has to be the same for both the Palm and desktop version. You definitely want something strong (for example: combination of letters, symbols and numbers) and the program’s “Strength Meter” lets you know how well you’re doing.

If you have trouble coming up with a password, SplashID will generate one for you. You can choose one that can be pronounced (and thus easier to remember), or a completely random string of letters, symbols, and numbers. SplashID includes a hint option, in case you forget your password somewhere down the road. But do remember your master password: SplashID warns you after five failed attempts, and wipes your information after ten!

Once your password is set, you’re ready to put sensitive information into SplashID. You can do this either on your device, or on the desktop component. You can categorize items the same as you would for contacts or meetings by Personal, Business, Unfiled, etc. You can also set the type for each entry.

Each type comes with a preselected icon. But both the types and the icons are totally customizable. You can delete types you’ll never use, and add any you deem necessary. Depending on the file type set, you are able to define each record so that you can mask any information from the main screen view.

Now with ten fields, you can fit all the information you need. Notice in the Edit screen, one of the fields is for URL. A tremendous advantage to Treo users, you can tap this field and you will be prompted as to whether you want to go straight to the listed website with Blazer. Another field that is new to version 4 is the Date modified field. This field is dynamically updated when you edit a record.

Since this is a new feature, unless you had a date in a record, these will all show as Unknown. This is a feature I intend to use a lot because I frequently have similar records and can never remember which is the most recent. From my main SplashID screen, I have already chosen to view the record’s Description and Date. (Now I just have to update a few records so that the date will show!)

The main screen is also highly customizable. You can determine which fields you see (and whether or not they are masked), as well as colors and fonts. New in version 4.0, you can view a “tree” of your records instead of the traditional list view.

Personally, I love the new toolbar at the bottom. Search for a record, add a new record, turn on/off record masking, change from list to tree view, or instantly lock the app all at the touch of a shortcut button.

The desktop component has been updated, and now gives you a choice of three views: the traditional list view, a tree view similar to that on your device, or a panel view. The desktop will also launch URLs within any record, but only with Internet Explorer. Launching from the desktop will also give you the option of logging into the website with the password information stored in the same record. I have been unsuccessful in getting this particular feature to work, but it’s not something I would be taking advantage of too often given the browser limitation.

I also discovered that to use the URL launch feature from the SplashID desktop, you may have to rearrange some of your older records. Even customizing the fields, if the URL is not the 4th field, the launch will only take you to IE’s default search engine…and then proceed to look up your password!

The new desktop also gives you the ability to sync multiple databases for multiple users, even across a network! Of course, the traditional 256-Bit Blowfish encryption that SplashID is famous for, is still there protecting your sensitive information.

SplashID is easy to use, but customizable and versatile enough for the most demanding power user. It is available for both Palm OS and Windows Mobile. I strongly recommend this application to every user for total piece of mind.

Related Links

SplashID for Palm OS

SplashID for Windows Mobile

SplashData Applications

Discuss Utilities in the Treo Discussion Forum

Filed under: Software reviews