dns, a key player in the managed security services industry, has announced the launch of its Managed Strong Authentication service (dnsMSS MSA). dns developed the service in response to the growing need in organisations for watertight authentication systems – in a 24/7 managed formula to minimise administration time and costs. MSA, a two- factor authentication service, will implement the dual security of a one-time password and a physical token. It will oversee user registration and de-registration – as well the full token lifecycle, including shipping and complete maintenance.
Risks associated with static password use within the modern enterprise have come to the attention of many organisations, which are now realising the need for a second line of defence. Educating employees about intelligent password choices and astute PC use, while critical, is not stand-alone, and implementing a strong, two-factor authentication system has come to the forefront of effective network protection.
“We are very pleased to offer a new Strong Authentication service that has been developed following direct requests from our customers to give them a helping hand in this area,” said Adam Lewis, senior consultant at dns. “This is a service we can provide to multiple organisations, bringing the costs right down for our clients, while giving them the reassurance that the system is being managed by experts.”
“Too often employees use ‘easy-to-crack’ passwords such as their favourite football team or the name of their pet rabbit,” continued Lewis. “The security boost offered by the one-time password removes this room for human error – demanding no added memory or password conjuring power on the part of the employee.”
dns will take responsibility for the operational tasks involved in the provision of a strong authentication solution – but businesses will not need to surrender control of their security infrastructures. The service will provide companies with a simplified web interface via the dns portal for day-to-day administration tasks. MSA uses the well-established authentication protocol RADIUS, making it compatible with a wide range of network security devices, ensuring that the best-of-breed IT security package is wholly achievable.
“Reliance on a single password is clearly not enough in today’s security minefield,” said Lewis. “However, organisations are discovering that there is a great deal of work involved in successfully managing the supply and maintenance of tokens as well as the associated infrastructure. The internal time and costs can be very high – and often through internal lack of expertise in this specialised area, dangerous threats can, and will, slip through the net.”
