Identity, Security, Payments, Biometrics, Smart Cards and Authentication News

Virchow Krause & Company deploys .NET tokens

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Gemalto announced the first deployment of Protiva .NET Dual tokens at Virchow Krause & Company LLP, the 15th largest accounting firm in the United States.

Gemalto partner CDW deployed the new authentication solution that combines Gemalto .NET card technology with one time password in a single USB device. VK has completed its testing and plans to issue the device to its employees, including its many accountants and consultants, this summer.


When inserted in a USB connector, the Protiva .NET Dual token delivers two-factor authentication, email encryption and digital signature based on PKI certificates. When the device cannot be connected, pushing a button causes a one-time password to be displayed that can be entered through the keyboard. 


After a 30-day grace period employees will not be able to log onto PCs or networks using passwords.
 “One reason we selected the Gemalto solution is that it is actually more convenient for our users because it completely eliminates complicated passwords,” says Matt Jennings, senior manager for VK’s Information Technology Group. “Now all they have to do is remember their PIN to unlock the device. Another advantage is the built in one time password capability. Since our associates travel frequently, the OTP feature is useful in situations like airport Internet kiosks where you cannot use a USB device.” [end] 

The Smart Card Alliance Transportation Council has published a white paper examining how the transit industry can best make use of NFC technology.

“One of the major challenges facing transit agencies today is how to capitalize on the ever-growing popularity of mobile phones with a solid mobile strategy,” said Transportation Council Chairman Craig Roberts. “This white paper builds on the knowledge base developed in earlier white papers to foster a greater understanding of NFC technology, explain its role in the transit industry, and shed light on key issues facing the transit industry in developing a mobile strategy.”

read more »

Cubic Transportation Systems, distributor of the electronic transit Clipper card, has responded to the recent news of a Ph.D. student in IT Security allegedly breaking the encryption in Clipper and similar transit cards.

read more »

Research In Motion (RIM) has partnered with Tapit, a Sydney based NFC marketing company, to launch a campaign in Australia that uses NFC-enabled posters and tokens to share content for BlackBerry users.

read more »

India transport operator Ahmedabad Janmarg Ltd. has launched a smart transit card for commuters traveling on the region’s bus system, according to ISO&Agent.

The agency began a six-month trial and August 2010 followed by a soft and silent launch in January 2012. The card is available now for a nonrefundable fee of 25 rupees ($.50 US cents) and allows commuters to travel for up to 100 minutes on one bus, for the minimum fare.

read more »

GlobalPlatform and the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 204 (ISO TC204) Working Group 8 (Public Transport and Emergency Services) are partnering to define technical standards that will enable transit operators to launch contactless ticketing via NFC-enabled phones and contactless payment cards.

read more »

Information delivery company Colt has licensed Cryptocard’s BlackShield authentication-as-a-service platform to enhance its virtual desktop infrastructure with secure remote access for up to 5,000 employees.

read more »