by Darlene McQueen
Two Factor Authentication, what is it? Many organizations protect local and remote logins with a simple username and password. Entering these two pieces of information will grant access to company databases, email accounts, and other sensitive information. But passwords are notoriously insecure. Many users choose weak passwords which can be easily guessed or cracked. Phishing attacks trick people daily into revealing their passwords, and users on unsecured networks (e.g. at coffee shops) can have their passwords sniffed. Malicious viruses and spyware can capture passwords and send them over the network to attackers.
Two Factor is the practice of combining something you know (like your password) with something you have (like a hardware token) to secure access to a system. Even if your password is compromised, that’s only half of the piece of the puzzle needed to gain access to a system.
Protecting your Remote Users
For many corporate networks, the Remote Access and VPNs required for employees to work off-site represent a significant exposure and vulnerability of the network. It is essential for network security to protect any method of Remote Access or VPNs with additional security without impacting authorized users.
RCS recommends deploying a solution by Yubico that offers keys that simply plugs into a USB port. By deploying a YubiKey, Remote Access and VPNs are protected with two-factor authentication with the security and ease of use of the YubiKey.
The innovative USB/NFC-keys offer strong two-factor authentication – with a simple touch of a button. YubiKeys are built strong enough for the largest enterprises, while remaining simple enough to use for consumers.
For information or pricing for this service, contact your RCS Sales Representative at 800-417-3030, Option 1.