Datakey Axis Strong Authentication Thwarts the Scob Virus
June 30, 2004 – XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 / Minneapolis, MN – Datakey, Inc. (DKEY.OB; www.datakey.com), a leading provider of information security products that simplify and secure authentication to corporate information systems, says its Datakey Axis technology protects mid- to large-sized organizations from the recently detected Scob virus. Datakey Axis is a complete two-factor authentication software and smart card solution that locks digital credentials, such as passwords, onto a single smart card or USB token.
The Scob virus records the passwords keyed into websites as users log on. Datakey Axis two-factor authentication means that users never enter their password via the keyboard, said Tim Russell, CEO of Datakey. Instead, a USB token or smart card containing all of their usernames and passwords is unlocked when the user enters the PIN. Datakey Axis automatically retrieves the appropriate password from the smart card and supplies it directly to the application, so security is not compromised by the keying in of passwords. Without the card or USB token, the PIN is useless.
The Scob virus is a new way to distribute malicious code that has been found to target a recent version of Microsoft software for operating Web sites. Hackers made almost undetectable changes to the Web site so visitors pick up code that retrieves software that records a person’s keystrokes. In turn, this keystroke information is collected and delivered remotely to the authors of the virus. This information can include passwords, credit card numbers and bank accounts, making this an especially dangerous virus. Now that the mechanism has been publicized, it is likely that other hackers will use the virus to grab secure passwords and other protected information.
About Datakey Axis
Datakey Axis is a complete software and smart card solution that delivers simplified and secure Single Sign-On (SSO) for a full range of enterprise applications and network resources including password management, host authentication, Windows log-on, VPN access, Web authorization, desktop security, corporate badge and building access, biometric integration, public key encryption, digital certificates and digital signatures. For more information, please visit www.datakey.com, or call 888-328-2539.
About Datakey, Inc.
Datakey Inc. delivers intelligent solutions that strengthen security and simplify user identification. Datakey Axis is a strong authentication and single sign-on solution that locks each user’s digital credentials onto a smart card or USB token. Easy to install and maintain, Datakey Axis fortifies security with two-factor authentication and automated enforcement of strong password policies.