Research in Motion today announced a new version of its
BlackBerry
Smart Card Reader, designed to offer improved security and easier
multi-factor authentication for organisations.
The reader is a lightweight device featuring advanced AES-256 encryption and
Bluetooth 2.0 support to enable secure connection with BlackBerrys, computers
and Public Key Infrastructure applications.
Once the device is synchronised with a BlackBerry, IT administrators can set
up handsets to ensure that passwords work only if the Reader is within range,
and set the phone to lock automatically as soon as it is out of range, said RIM.
"The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader provides security-conscious organisations
with another powerful tool for controlling access to computers and BlackBerry
smartphones," said Scott Totzke, vice president of the BlackBerry Security Group
at RIM.
"This new model further builds on the security, flexibility and mobility of
the trusted BlackBerry Enterprise Solution."
The reader supports all ISO 7816 compliant smartcards, and provides
out-of-the-box support for Personal Identity Verification cards, Common Access
Cards and Safenet 330 cards, according to RIM.
The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader is set to become available in September.
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