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

  • 2025 Security LeadHER Conference Program Announced

    ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) – the leading membership associations for the security industry – have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The third annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. This carefully crafted program represents a comprehensive professional development opportunity for women in security this year. To view the full lineup at this year’s event, please visit securityleadher.org. Read Now

    • Industry Events

  • Report: 82 Percent of Phishing Emails Used AI

    KnowBe4, the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its Phishing Threat Trend Report, detailing key trends, new data, and threat intelligence insights surrounding phishing threats targeting organizations at the start of 2025. Read Now

  • NRF Supports Federal Bill to Thwart Retail Crime

    The National Retail Federation recently announced its support for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025. The act was introduced by Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Representative Dave Joyce, R-Ohio. Read Now

  • ISC West 2025 Brings Almost 29,000 Industry Professionals to Las Vegas

    ISC West 2025, organized by RX and in collaboration with the Security Industry Association, concluded at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas last week. The nation’s leading comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals and left a lasting impression on the global security community. Over five action-packed days, ISC West welcomed more than 19,000 attendees and featured 750 exhibiting brands. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • Tradeshow Work Can Be Fun

    While at ISC West last week, I ran into numerous friends and associates all of which was a pleasant experience. The first question always seemed to be, “How many does this make for you?” Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • 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.