DualShield v5.7 from Deepnet Security is an authentication platform using multifactor and biometric authentication techniques. This class of products offer enhanced security of a user providing credentials for access to an authenticator or authentication server. Supplicants may be users or devices. DualShield is applicable to enterprise environments supporting OATH-compliant OTP hardware tokens, mobile apps, grid cards, as well as Google Authenticator, RSA SecureID and VASCO DIGIPASS Go tokens. DualShield also supports static password and question and answers.
The product came to our lab with a setup CD and a token to assist with testing. The setup installer was easy to walk through and any questions or issues can be answered by following the setup guide PDF provided in the doc folder. The PDF provided step-by-step instructions through each installer with pictures and descriptions of credentials for each step. The installer allows customization of backend components, front-end components or all. By using all, each element of the DualShield platform is installed, consisting of a management console and servers for authentication, single sign-on, self-service and provisioning. Server configuration allows for SSL to be enabled to access DualShield through SSL and HTTPS. The installer by default sets up a MySQL server and database. However, DualShield is also compatible with other database types, such as Oracle, DB2 and Microsoft SQL server.
To help with use of the software, a quick-start guide PDF is included with a walkthrough for first-time logon, as well as a tutorial. The tutorial is essential for practical use of the management console. It covers how to create an identity source that links to an active directory, create a domain from the identity source, a realm in which to include the domain, create logon procedures, create an application and link it to the realm, and how to publish the application. Fortunately, the management console GUI is appealing to operate.
DualShield integrates with more than 10 enterprise and internet applications covering VPN, web, cloud, local networks and desktops, remote and virtual desktops, and Outlook emails. Applications include SSL, IIS, Apache, Office 365, Windows, MacOS, Linux, VMWare View, and Outlook Web Access. On top of it, the amount of authentication methods that DualShield supports are token-less, token-based, device-based, biometrics and PKI authentications. DualShield is powerful with its identity and access management system, as well as keystroke, voice and face recognition methods.
The documentation is neat and organized. The material, as well as setup files, are all located in the same directory on the CD. Setup executables and installers are located in the CD's bin folder. All documentation was helpful. Images illustrated steps for setup and a detailed narration aids installs and setups.
DualShield offers two types of support: basic no-cost and fee-based. Basic provides free support by email, phone and webex. Fee-based aid is offered in two levels: standard, which is 20 percent of list price, and premium, which is 30 percent. Support is offered at eight-hours-a-day/five-days-a-week or 24/7. Assistance on the website is also available with a knowledge base and a FAQ.
Jared Richards contributed to this review.
