* RSA Sign-On Manager 4.5
Even though we’re constantly being told that passwords are so last century, password management remains a critical issue for corporate networks these days given that: * The average user has to remember 12 or more passwords for various systems/apps at work (according to an RSA survey). * 35% of all help desk call volumes are password related (according to the Gartner Group). * The average cost per help desk call is $58 (according to the Burton Group).
Even though we’re constantly being told that passwords are so last century, password management remains a critical issue for corporate networks these days given that:
* The average user has to remember 12 or more passwords for various systems/apps at work (according to an RSA survey).
* 35% of all help desk call volumes are password related (according to the Gartner Group).
* The average cost per help desk call is $58 (according to the Burton Group).
RSA provided these factoids as a justification (as if one were really needed) for this week’s release of RSA Sign-On Manager 4.5. While primarily an enterprise single sign-on service (ESSO), Version 4.5 also expands Sign-On Manager’s integration with RSA SecurID, the widely deployed two-factor authentication product. In fact, Sign-On Manager is the only service that joins ESSO, self-service emergency access and strong authentication across Microsoft Windows desktops and networks. It’s also one of the few integrated ESSO/two-factor authentication services available from a single vendor.
Very few organizations have eliminated the use of passwords, while regulatory compliance requirements are creating security and password management challenges for organizations of all sizes. Since passwords will be with us for some time longer, it behooves us all to find ways to manage them quickly, efficiently, securely and as inexpensively as possible. Sign-On Manager, according to RSA, enables companies to implement best practices for compliance, such as:
* Reducing the causes of unsafe behaviors (such as the password list on a Post-It) that develop when users are forced to manage a plethora of passwords.
* Strengthening an ESSO deployment with two-factor authentication.
* Delivering automated emergency access capabilities for users who forget their primary authentication method (e.g., passwords, RSA SecurID token or smart card).
RSA’s in-house developed IntelliAccess emergency access technology provides self-service in the event of a lost or misplaced RSA SecurID token, enabling users to access Windows desktops, VPNs and wireless applications when disconnected from the network, without calling the help desk. That’s right, more secure access by means of the SecurID one-time password token coupled with help desk savings through the user’s self-service efforts when a problem occurs. That alone should make Sign-On Manager worth investigating.
RSA Sign-On Manager 4.5 will be available to customers worldwide in November. For more information on RSA Sign-On Manager click here – it could save you both time and money.
