CRYPTOCard Corp. on Tuesday announced the first authentication solution specifically designed for Mac OS X Panther users. CRYPTO-Server X does away with the multiple passwords that most people use on a regular basis in favor of using a multi-function smart card, hardware token or software token and a user PIN.
Speaking with MacCentral, Malcolm MacTaggart, President & CEO, CRYPTOCard Corp., explained that his company feels that username and passwords aren’t really secure. People often have so many passwords they often have to write them down somewhere — often on sticky notes under their keyboards.
With this solution, all usernames and passwords are stored on the token and CRYPTO-Server X generates a one-time password for every log-on attempt, making stolen credentials useless to hackers.
Many companies have tried to implement stiffer security measures over the past few years, only to be met with resistance from employees because of difficulties using the system and in some cases a steep learning curve. MacTaggart contends that CRYPTOCard’s solution will eliminate the learning curve, save money on support costs associated with password retrieval in the IT departments and lessen the likelihood of security breaches when people write down their passwords.
CRYPTO-Admin allows organizations to create a token-deployment database by importing existing company directories, while the solution’s CRYPTO-Deploy component allows administrators to instantly distribute software tokens from any computer, to any user. CRYPTO-Server X’s software tokens can reside on a user’s desktop, laptop or multi-function smart card, while the back-end is hosted on a Panther Server.
“An organization cannot guarantee system security if it cannot authenticate each individual user — and CRYPTO-Server X makes this simple,” said MacTaggart. “Users have traditionally been drawn to the intuitive, state-of-the-art functionality of the Mac operating system and CRYPTOCard’s collaboration with Apple underscores its commitment to provide Mac users with an authentication solution that, much like Mac OS X Panther itself, is extremely cost effective and user friendly.”
CRYPTO-Server X 10-User Pack, including the CRYPTO-Admin authentication server; a choice of ten smart cards, hardware tokens or software tokens; and one-year’s free support will be available at Macworld’s DevDepot Store or directly from CRYPTOCard from Tuesday, January 6 at an introductory price of US$499. CRYPTO-Server X will also be available in a Five-User Pack costing $299.