University Of Minnesota Uses Two-Factor Authentication Solution

  • Apr 14, 2008

Secure Computing Corp., a enterprise gateway security company, recently announced that University of Minnesota has selected the company's Secure SafeWord (formerly known as SafeWord) as a two-factor authentication solution for 8,000 staff and faculty members.

“Secure SafeWord provides an effective solution to the University’s authentication needs,” said Steve Cawley, vice president and chief information officer for the University of Minnesota. “It reduces risk and potential user frustration associated with fixed passwords.”

The Secure SafeWord solution replaces traditional password-based security. Prior to Secure SafeWord, university staff and faculty had to memorize multiple passwords. If someone forgot their user name or password settings, they had to call the help desk to request a password reset. This can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Roughly 30 percent of all IT help desk calls in North American involve password questions, and manual password resets that can be costly, according to Gartner Inc., the Stamford, Conn.-based research firm.

In stark contrast, Secure SafeWord eliminates the need to periodically remind university users to change their passwords and also the need to reset passwords if the user failed to change it. By simply pushing the Secure SafeWord button, users generate a new one-time passcode that is used with their PIN for authentication.

The deployed Secure SafeWord solution requires two pieces of information for someone to access approved systems:

  • Something the user has -- in this case, a token card carried by the user.
  • Something the user knows -- in this case, a user PIN.

The Secure SafeWord rollout initially involves the university’s Office of Information Technology, which manages the university’s servers and databases. The Secure SafeWord software has been implemented on OIT servers and Oracle Corp. databases, and currently is being implemented for enterprise Web applications. Eventually, users across of the entire campus will use the solution.

Featured

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

  • Unlocking Trustworthy AI: Building Transparency in Security Governance

    In situations where AI supports important security tasks like leading investigations and detecting threats and anomalies, transparency is essential. When an incident occurs, investigators must trace the logic behind each automated response to confirm its validity or spot errors. Demanding interpretable AI turns opaque “black boxes” into accountable partners that enhance, rather than compromise, organizational defense. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.