06 Feb 2008

Wireless Logic integrates Accode into its 2008 ManageNet Service Suite

Wireless Logic integrates Accode into its 2008 ManageNet Service Suite

Wireless Logic, one of the UK’s leading specialists in the rapidly evolving business world of mobile technology and SIM-based data communication, today announced that it will offer Accode to its base of ManageNet subscribers.

Wireless Logic will offer the service to its partner base of IT resellers and System Integrators as well as some Business Cellular resellers. Monitise plc’s mobile phone based two factor authentication service Accode, which is based on the same banking grade security platform as Monitise’s MONILINK mobile phone banking and payments service, will deliver a second level of security to users of corporate VPNs or partner/customer portals. 

Currently, the primary means of providing ‘secure’ access to corporate networks or portals is through the use of fixed passwords.  However, these are threatened by ‘phishing’ or ‘trojan’ attacks which jeopardise the overall integrity of the network.  Accode removes this threat by ensuring that every time a user wishes to access their VPN they are required to enter a unique passcode delivered to them within a secure application on their mobile handset. 

Accode also presents a compelling alternative to token based security systems, coupled with far greater convenience.  User trials have confirmed that ACCODE reduces cost of ownership by 66%, from an average of £120 per user over three years to around £45 per user. Based on a secure application stored on the mobile handset, the service uses secure algorithms to generate a one time passcode that can be used to secure access to desktop and online services.  Furthermore, the service is always available, since, although generally an ‘online’ application, it has an ‘offline’ capability, allowing the service to work even in areas with no cell phone coverage.  The service can also be customised with the customer’s brand, therefore reducing the barriers to employee adoption. 

Philip Cole, Head of Sales for Enterprise & M2M said: “Our customers generally have large numbers of field based staff, all of whom require secure access to their company networks while on the move.  However, this presents security and compliance concerns for many of our customers, especially those that operate within regulated industries. Typically customers have found key fob solutions not to be user friendly and we believe that by using the phone rather than a token fob, Accode is perfect solution. 

“We decided to implement Accode on the basis of a number of criteria.  Firstly, the service meets the high security standards demanded by our customers.  Secondly, the inherent flexibility of delivering the service on customer’s existing mobile phones through our Mobile VPN Managed Network, ManageNet, creates a great value added service.  Lastly, the service means that access levels amongst user groups can be controlled without compromising security in any way.”   

Simon Barnard of Monitise’s security division said: “Mobile data technology has delivered massive business advantages over the past few years, allowing workers, suppliers and consultants to access central resources no matter where they are.  However, as the usage of such systems has increased, the threats have increased alongside it.  Our partnership with Wireless Logic will provide organisations with access to an industry leading information service combined with bank grade, flexible security, delivering genuine business agility.”