RSA woos SMEs with enterprise-class authentication

RSA is targeting SMEs with enterprise-grade authentication software as an alternative to passwords.

The security firm is offering the same level of authentication that it provides for high-level online transactions and for authenticating some 250 million global individuals in a package that it said should appeal to businesses of any size.

RSA said that Authentication Manager Express has been developed to meet the rise of the mobile worker, and that advanced security threats and an increasingly constrictive regulatory environment mean that simple password protection is no longer enough.

Tom Corn, chief strategy officer for RSA, explained that strong authentication has become a business requirement that is often mandated by regulations which apply to organisations of every size.

"We have engineered the solution to provide enterprise-class identity protection and security while meeting the vital ease of deployment, cost and end-user convenience requirements of SMEs," he said.

"It also demonstrates a compelling model and vision for securing access to web-based applications and resources using smartphones and mobile devices that have become a mainstay for business users."

Companies with up to 2,500 workers could benefit from the release, according to the firm, as it provides secure access to data and business applications through SSL virtual private networks and online portals.

The system does not do away with passwords altogether, and RSA said that the system will check user credentials in the background and apply a risk engine detection system to search for abnormal behaviour.

Additional security protection comes in the form of personal challenges, or SMS-based one-time pass codes that can be employed should a user's identity be doubted.

RSA said that Authentication Manager Express offers a smooth transition to a different kind of authentication that is easy to install and requires little ongoing management.