Security Featured Article

Positive Networks (News - Alert), a provider of security products and services, announced that PhoneFactor, its phone-based authentication technology, is now available to LogMeIn (News - Alert) users free of charge.

 

PhoneFactor offers two levels of authentication for any phone (landline or mobile). After entering username/password into the LogMeIn system, the user gets a phone call. Answering the call and pressing # completes the authentication process.

 

PhoneFactor enables LogMeIn to be the first remote connectivity service to offer secure two-factor authentication capabilities at no extra cost.  

 

"As market factors continue to push businesses to support telecommuters and remote workers, tools like LogMeIn become more vital than ever," said Marton Anka, CTO at LogMeIn, in a statement. "Tools such as PhoneFactor could speed that migration by adding another two-factor authentication method."

 

PhoneFactor turns any phone into an authentication device and has been optimized to secure access to computers using LogMeIn services. For enterprises, the merger of the two services enables workers to connect to and remotely control their computers both at home and at work. Company officials said PhoneFactor protects remote access, e-mail and intranet logins.

 

Tim Sutton, CEO of Positive Networks, added that PhoneFactor provides a second critical layer of security for LogMeIn solutions. Since the authentication service offered by PhoneFactor is free, the double layer of security comes at an affordable price.

 

Both LogMeIn and PhoneFactor are Web-based services designed for setup in minutes. PhoneFactor is compatible with the free version of LogMeIn, as well as LogMeIn Pro and the IT Reach service.

 

Using PhoneFactor eliminates the need for tokens, smart cards or certificates. According to company sources, the basic service of PhoneFactor and LogMeIn are free with premium versions of remote access products for both business and support professionals.

LogMeIn is a provider of on-demand, remote-connectivity and support solutions to small businesses, IT service providers and consumers. The company reports on its website that users have connected over 45 million computers and other Internet-enabled devices to a LogMeIn service.

 

LogMeIn's software-as-a-service suite of solutions includes capabilities for on-demand customer support of PCs, smartphones and other devices, systems administration, remote access, remote control, file-sharing, virtual private networking, data back-up and online meeting.

 

PhoneFactor is built on the national data center and infrastructure of Positive Networks. Founded in 2001, Positive Networks provides enterprise VPN, remote access and security services over the web.