Arcot Systems Announces Affordable Strong Authentication Solution for VPN Users
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Software-only Authentication Solution Offers Complete Security for VPNs SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., (RSA Conference) April 10, 2001 – Arcot Systems, Inc., the leading provider of solutions for securing e-business in Internet-scale, transactional, and wireless environments, today announced Arcot for VPN™, a new suite of authentication products for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that will provide a cost-effective and reliable method for verifying the identity of end users in a VPN environment. This innovative software solution brings hardware-level security at a fraction of the cost to companies using VPNs to reach distributed customers, partners and a mobile workforce. Arcot for VPN provides strong, software-based user authentication, removing the inherent risks of commonly used usernames and passwords. It is virtually immune to offline attacks, portable across multiple platforms, and scalable to support a growing number of remote employees and end users. Additionally, this easy-to-use and support solution can be deployed for less than $20 per user, and is a much more cost-effective alternative to hardware token authentication solutions where per-user costs can easily run $100's. Arcot for VPN supports users of VPNs by Check Point™ Software Technologies (Nasdaq:CHKP), Nortel Networks, Cisco and Intel/Shiva. "Authentication is a key component of our Secure Virtual Network (SVN) architecture," said Bradley Brown, director of business development for Check Point Software. "Arcot for Check Point VPN is an OPSEC Certified strong authentication product that seamlessly interoperates with the industry-leading Check Point VPN-1™." VPNs play an important role in furthering the growth of e-business, improving communications and productivity at far less cost than remote dial-up systems. These solutions allow corporations to economically manage access to sensitive data internally and among customers, vendors and partners. Industry trends indicate a 60-70% growth rate in the area of VPN technology. Infonetics Research projects that the global VPN market will explode to a $32 billion by the year 2003. "While VPNs protect important information in transit from the user to corporate resources, there is no way of verifying who is at the other end of the connection," says Chet Silvestri, president and CEO of Arcot Systems. "Typical safeguards, such as user names and passwords, have been inadequate and hardware alternatives like hardware tokens or smart cards are expensive and inconvenient for the company and the user. Arcot maximizes companies' investments in VPNs by offering strong authentication in cost-effective and easy-to-use software." "User authentication is a critical component of VPNs, particularly since encrypted traffic can't be monitored with intrusion detection systems," said Pete Lindstrom, Senior Analyst, Hurwitz Group. "A solution like Arcot's ensures authentication of the user, not the device, and provides strong client-side protection." Arcot for VPN is available now, and supports Check Point, Nortel, Cisco, and Intel/Shiva. Check Point support has passed rigorous OPSEC (Open Platform for Security) testing, certifying that it seamlessly interoperates with Check Point's VPN-1. The Arcot™ Approach The ArcotID™ Digital Credential stores an individual's digital credentials in a tamperproof software container that can only be activated using a PIN number known only to the user (much like an ATM card). The software container is protected by Arcot's patented Cryptographic Camouflage technology, and is impervious to any direct or offline hacker attack. The ArcotID has a very small "footprint" and can be easily downloaded to any device the user chooses from their home PC to a PDA or a cell phone, and the user can keep multiple ArcotIDs on multiple devices without fear of compromise. In this way, the user can enter into a secure business transaction from anywhere, anytime. The ArcotID is available through a number of products including Arcot WebFort™ for securing Web applications and Arcot for VPN, to authenticate users of corporate virtual private networks. Arcot solutions are the only approach to address the key needs of all audiences:
About Check Point's OPSEC OPSEC (Open Platform for Security) is the industry's open, multi-vendor security framework. With over 270 partners, OPSEC guarantees customers the broadest choice of best-of-breed integrated applications and deployment platforms that support Check Point's Secure Virtual Network Architecture. Products that carry the OPSEC Certified seal have been tested to guarantee integration and interoperability. For complete OPSEC Alliance program information, including partner and product listings, the freely available OPSEC SDK (software development kit) and evaluation versions of OPSEC Certified products, visit http://www.opsec.com. About Arcot Arcot Systems, Inc., is the leading provider of authentication and access control solutions for securing e-business in Internet-scale, transactional,and wireless environments. Only Arcot provides a cost-effective, software-based solution for strongly authenticating payment systems, B2B extranets, Web portals and virtual private networks. Arcot™ solutions meet the business need for strong transactional security while providing the customer a user-friendly experience with anytime, anywhere convenience. Leaders in financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce are using Arcot solutions to protect their customers' privacy and reduce fraud. For more information, visit www.arcot.com. |