United News Network | Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication

Collaboration is a key element of internal communication for UNN. Upwards of 20 call-centre agents log in remotely to a terminal server as a part of their day-to-day work. Authentication was historically via RSA token, which required employees to retain a physical token. Over time, token-based authentication was leading to an increase in costs and management time.

Driven by the desire to lower their authentication costs, UNN explored two-factor alternatives that make use of the something you know, something you own or something you are principle. After reviewing the options available, CNN went with the tokenless solution from SecurEnvoy. SecurAccess doesn’t require a separate hardware token; it leverages users’ existing devices (mobile, tablet, etc.) as the something you own element of authentication.

The switch to SecurAccess ran in parallel with the phasing out of the RSA tokens, with the technical switchover taking place in a matter of hours. SecurAccess works in conjunction with the Windows login agent to complete the two-factor authentication process. Six digit on-time passcodes are sent to remote workers’ mobile phones via SMS and a flash update ensures the codes don’t remain on the device.

“We are very pleased with SecurAccess” says Rainer Kolmel, CEO of UNN GmbH. “The solution is easy to use and contributed significantly to reducing costs. Instead of having to make an additional investment in dedicated tokens, we use existing hardware, in the form of mobile phones that users have with them. It makes logging on very easy.”

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