Security survey
Passwords are still the most popular security feature in today's networks, while biometrics is slowly gaining ground.
 
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By NEAL WEINBERG
Network World, 05/08/00
Biometric authentication is currently being used by only 4% of companies responding to our exclusive Network World/Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) survey on security.
Feature: Biometrics eyes the enterprise
Review: Biometrics suites earn a thumbs up
Our 'not so impossible' mission
Interactive scorecard and NetResults
Face-off: Is the use of biometrics an invasion of privacy?
Crossword puzzle
Over the next 18 months, users said their most popular security options will be adding security monitoring tools, virus detection software, firewall appliances and security management software. Three out of five readers said their security infrastructure is adequate, while 36% conceded theirs was not adequate. When asked what changes they would like to make to improve security, 78% cited user authentication and more accurate network monitoring as their top priorities. Fingerprints emerged as the type of biometrics that respondents said they are most interested in, followed by voice prints and retinal scans. EMA is an industry analyst and consulting firm in Boulder, Colo., and can be reached at clientrelations@enterprisemanagement.com.
Passwords lead the way
We asked 100 readers to list all their security solutions. The 10 most frequent responses were:
| Passwords | 93% | |
| Virus-detection software | 88% | |
| Firewall appliance | 82% | |
| Security management software | 75% | |
| Trusted Web server | 74% | |
| Security monitoring tools | 73% | |
| Intrusion-detection systems | 67% | |
| Trusted operating system software | 65% | |
| Encryption tool kits | 64% | |
| PC access control software | 55% |
Monitoring tools are gaining
Additional security measures respondents said they plan to adopt in the next 18 months are:
| Passwords | 73% | |
| Security monitoring tools | 73% | |
| Virus-detection software | 73% | |
| Firewall appliance | 67% | |
| Security management software | 67% | |
| Trusted Web server | 60% | |
| Encryption tool kits | 59% | |
| Intrusion-detection systems | 58% | |
| Digital signatures | 50% | |
| PC access control software | 49% |
Contact Features Editor Neal Weinberg
The enemy within
Feature writer Sharon Gaudin
describes software tools and policies for establishing effective internal security.
Biometrics offers a reliable way to authenticate users. Review: Biometrics suites earn a thumbs up
Reviewer Tere' Bracco uses every trick in the book -- including identical twins -- to try to fool a variety of biometric authentication suites. Our 'not so impossible' mission
Testing out the face and voice recognition systems
Interactive scorecard and NetResults
Biometrics research page
Loads of info including white papers, publications, forums and usergroups.
Face-off: Is the use of biometrics an invasion of privacy?
Companies are beginning to use biometrics to secure networks, but is it an invasion of privacy? Samir Nanavati of the International Biometric Group and Barry Steinhardt of the ACLU are online this week to debate with you. Read their statements and then jump in with your comments and questions.
See a network topology for the BioLogon Server
White paper on biometric and smart card user authentication
PDF format, Adobe Acrobat reader needed
Read about the challenges that the biometric industry faces
