CRYPTOCard on Thursday announced plans to show off a new version of its Mac OS X-native authentication system at next week’s Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, Calif. CRYTPO-Server’s CRYPTO-Logon capability replaces Mac OS X’s logon screen with a separate password-protected log-on that even works with Mac OS X’s “Fast User Switching” mode.
CRYPTO-Server, hosted on Mac OS X Server v10.3, uses two-factor authentication: A multi-function smart card, hardware token or software token is paired with a Personal Identification Number (PIN). It secures access to computers using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or Web servers as well. To access the system, users insert their authentication device, enter their PIN and begin working. When they’re done, removing the authentication device secures the system. CRYPTO-Web, the Web-based security technology, works with Apache Web servers, while CRYPTO-VPN supports Apple and Cisco VPN client software.