Best multi-/second-factor solution

Winner: RSA, the security division of EMC, for RSA SecurID
www.rsa.com

The RSA SecurID two-factor authentication solution reliably proves user identities with a time-synchronous password that changes every 60 seconds. The product is used for mobile and remote users – both business and consumer – to gain secure access to network and online resources. Its broad application stems from the advanced RSA Authentication Manager software engine that can protect remote and mobile access through VPN gateways, web access, internal employees, Citrix, business applications, and wireless access (VPNs and RADIUS servers); privileged user access; enterprise, web and federated SSO; and desktops.

RSA SecurID v7.1 offers on-demand authentication through SMS features, providing a business continuity option so customers can maintain strong authentication during any emergency. v7.1 also delivers native LDAP, delegated administration, self-service tools for end-users and streamlined administration. There are also a variety of hardware and software form factors, including new RSA Display Card; BlackBerry handhelds, which now ship with pre-loaded software tokens; software tokens on flash memory drives; and biometrics for three-factor authentication. There is award-winning 24/7 customer support worldwide, major market share, built-in integration with all major network platforms, 375 third-party products from over 250 vendors, and unsurpassed, proven quality of authenticators.

The appliance option can be licensed for 10 users and up, deployed in less than 30 minutes and is easier to maintain with a web-based interface – lowering the TCO for organizations with fewer IT resources that still require strong authentication. Additionally, RSA Appliance v3.0 is based on the 2008 RSA SecurID v7.1 upgrade and has a new standalone SME version. For all SMEs, RSA SecurID business benefits include implementing an effective compliance program by establishing who is who within the organization and the development of authentication mechanisms that go well beyond passwords in order to establish a trusted ID for all employees, partners and contractors.

Finalists 2009