Proximity Lock System 2.0

Product Introduction

1. Proximity Lock System 2.0 is a Python-based CLI tool designed to automatically lock a computer when a paired Bluetooth device (such as a smartphone) moves out of detectable range. It operates by continuously scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices and triggering a system lock when the designated device fails to respond within a configured safety threshold.
2. The core value of the product lies in enhancing security through automation, eliminating the need for manual system locking when users physically step away from their devices. It ensures sensitive data remains protected in shared or public environments by enforcing immediate locking based on real-time Bluetooth proximity checks.

Main Features

1. The tool performs continuous Bluetooth scans at user-defined intervals (default: 10 seconds) to detect the presence of a paired device, using platform-native locking commands to secure the system when the device is absent.
2. Cross-platform compatibility supports Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, leveraging OS-specific utilities like LockWorkStation for Windows, CGSession for macOS, and gnome-screensaver for Linux-based environments.
3. Customizable parameters allow users to adjust scan duration, safety thresholds (consecutive missed scans before locking), and post-lock monitoring pauses, ensuring adaptability to diverse Bluetooth signal ranges and environmental conditions.

Problems Solved

1. The product addresses the risk of unauthorized access to unattended computers by automating the locking process when the user’s Bluetooth device (e.g., phone) leaves the vicinity, reducing reliance on manual screen locking.
2. It targets professionals working in shared spaces, remote workers in public areas, and users prioritizing privacy, providing a seamless security layer without interrupting workflow.
3. Typical use cases include securing workstations in open-plan offices, protecting devices in coffee shops or co-working spaces, and enforcing compliance with corporate security policies for unattended devices.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike hardware-based proximity locks, the tool utilizes existing Bluetooth capabilities without requiring additional devices, minimizing setup costs and compatibility issues.
2. Its configurable safety threshold and unlock pause features prevent false positives caused by temporary Bluetooth signal drops, a common limitation in similar open-source solutions.
3. The CLI-first design and AGPL-3.0 licensing offer transparency and flexibility for enterprise customization, while pre-tested virtual machine compatibility ensures safe deployment across heterogeneous environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Proximity Lock System 2.0 work with all Bluetooth devices? The tool supports standard Bluetooth-enabled devices paired with the host system, but performance may vary based on Bluetooth adapter capabilities and operating system drivers.
2. Can I use multiple devices to trigger locking? The current version monitors a single designated device, though users can reconfigure the tool to switch between paired devices by rerunning the setup process.
3. How do I resolve locking command failures on Linux/macOS? Update the lock command in proximity_lock_system/core.py to match your desktop environment’s native locking utility, such as loginctl lock-session for systemd-based systems or custom AppleScripts for macOS.