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Stroud & Swindon Building Society Among First to Implement New SMS Functionality Within Existing CRYPTO-MAS Strategic Investment
CRYPTOCard, a leading developer of two-factor authentication (2FA) technology for multi-vendor environments, has today launched in the UK its new SMS Token as part of the CRYPTO-MAS Managed Authentication Service portfolio. The SMS token offers the flexibility of CRYPTOCard’s existing two-factor authentication tokens - which are widely regarded as the most secure available – and additionally addresses the need for greater portability, affordability and simplicity, particularly among an enterprise’s distributed workforce. Delivered as part of the CRYPTO-MAS Managed Authentication Service, it answers the market requirement for zero up-front investment and maximum ease of use.
Colin Campbell, IT Services Manager at Stroud and Swindon Building Society, is already using CRYPTO-MAS to underpin the organisation’s 2FA strategy and sees the new SMS functionality presenting exciting possibilities, "We have been using the CRYPTOCard Managed Service for the past 12 months. Our users have total confidence in the system and find it easier than having to decide on, and regularly change, the traditional static password system we were using previously. We have just started using the new SMS token which answers our users’ demands for a more portable and easier to use token offering, and promises tremendous additional operational efficiency advantages while maintaining all of the protection we’ve come to expect."
To gain access to the network using a traditional 2FA solution, users would enter their PIN and then press the button on a hand held device to get a unique One-Time-Password (OTP). Using the new SMS solution, the OTP is delivered to the user’s mobile phone – there is no need to carry any additional devices. The solution uses CRYPTOCard’s unique “OTP Now” feature which means that every time the user logs-in to their network, their unique OTP is waiting for them on their mobile phone; there is no waiting, no manual intervention and no additional hardware.
CRYPTO-MAS is a unique managed service which provides a flexible, affordable solution using two-factor authentication technology, which positively identifies individuals before giving them access to applications, data and networks. CRYPTO-MAS simply sits in front of a company’s remote access or VPN network – no hardware or software installation is required. High levels of security can be provided in a matter of minutes. CRYPTOCard is the only vendor to offer a strong authentication managed service, enabling the company to address a broad market spectrum of SMEs, mid market enterprises and large multi-nationals.
The SMS token is available as part of the overall CRYPTOCard managed service, CRYPTO-MAS and prices start at just £6 per user per month, including the token. Any company can now afford to implement an alternative to passwords, something analysts such as Gartner and Forrester recommend as an essential consideration for any network.