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

  • AI Is Now the Leading Cybersecurity Concern for Security, IT Leaders

    Arctic Wolf recently published findings from its State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report, offering insights from a global survey of more than 1,200 senior IT and cybersecurity decision-makers across 15 countries. Conducted by Sapio Research, the report captures the realities, risks, and readiness strategies shaping the modern security landscape. Read Now

  • Analysis of AI Tools Shows 85 Percent Have Been Breached

    AI tools are becoming essential to modern work, but their fast, unmonitored adoption is creating a new kind of security risk. Recent surveys reveal a clear trend – employees are rapidly adopting consumer-facing AI tools without employer approval, IT oversight, or any clear security policies. According to Cybernews Business Digital Index, nearly 90% of analyzed AI tools have been exposed to data breaches, putting businesses at severe risk. Read Now

  • Software Vulnerabilities Surged 61 Percent in 2024, According to New Report

    Action1, a provider of autonomous endpoint management (AEM) solutions, today released its 2025 Software Vulnerability Ratings Report, revealing a 61% year-over-year surge in discovered software vulnerabilities and a 96% spike in exploited vulnerabilities throughout 2024, amid an increasingly aggressive threat landscape. Read Now

  • Motorola Solutions Named Official Safety Technology Supplier of the Ryder Cup through 2027

    Motorola Solutions has today been named the Official Safety Technology Supplier of the 2025 and 2027 Ryder Cup, professional golf’s renowned biennial team competition between the United States and Europe. Read Now

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.