Two-factor authentication.

Strong two-factor authentication is increasingly replacing simple password protection for new VPN deployments according to Signify. This view is backed up by industry research * commissioned by RSA, The Security Division of EMC, indicating that up to 80% of all new corporate VPN installations are using two-factor protection including tokens, one-time passcodes and USB devices. The research is based on interviews with 20 leading SSL and IPSEC VPN vendors including Juniper, Checkpoint, Cisco, SonicWall and their distributors, to establish the proportion of corporate scale VPN systems being implemented with some form of two-factor authentication. "With increasing demand for anytime, anywhere access to corporate resources and the growth in wireless networks, the message that passwords are not enough seems to be getting through to larger businesses and government departments," says Signify. "They know that strong authentication is now essential for any remote access system. Relying on basic passwords to secure a sophisticated SSL VPN is like putting cheap tyres on a Ferrari--it might save you money in the short term, but you'll lose control in the first rainstorm!"

The task now is to get the same message through to the small to mid-sized organisations who are now investing in VPNs. They face exactly the same threats to their businesses and need to eliminate weak passwords.

One of the barriers to two-factor authentication has been the perceived cost and complexity to deploy and manage the technology and to support a 24x7 remote user community. To overcome this, Signify delivers a fully managed, two-factor authentication service that makes it quick, simple and affordable for organisations of all sizes to eliminate passwords and deliver flexible and secure remote access.

It takes just a few minutes to configure any VPN server to connect to the "On-Demand' Signify service and there is no new hardware or software to install on the customer site. Signify also provides a 24x7 self-service helpdesk which lets end users solve their own issues such as forgotten PINs, lost or broken tokens and gain secure Emergency Access when they are stranded.

* Frost and Sullivan Report "VPN Attachment Rates for One Time Password Tokens" October 2006

www.signify.net