Biometric software solution secures, improves employee network access

The international trend to beefing up internal security around company computer systems and intranets while at the same time streamlining network sign-on to reduce administration costs, is rapidly gathering momentum.

Typical of the way biometric security technology is making an impact, is a R1 million contract to design and implement a sign-on solution at the South African manufacturing plant of a major international consumer goods producer.

Based on the SAFSolution product devised by SAFlink, the US-headquartered developer, marketer and integrator of biometric security solutions, the contract was co-ordinated by SAFlink's South African distributor and value-added solutions provider, Square One Solutions Group, an integrated IT solutions company listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange.

"Because of the security implications, the client does not want to be identified," says Dean Johnstone, national practice manager, biometric solutions at Square One.

"Centralised information stations throughout the manufacturing plant and its administrative headquarters will use SAFlink software to enable more than 1 200 employees to log on to the corporate network with their fingerprint to gain access to company and personal data."

Johnstone adds that for global companies it is a major challenge to ensure that all employees have equal and quick access to important information relating to their jobs and benefits.

"This is often problematic in a large manufacturing environment where many employees don't have a personal computerised workstation and have to remember passwords for shared computers.

"The solution included the development of freestanding information stations throughout the plant facility that incorporate SAFlink software, allowing any employee to scan a fingerprint for secure, rapid network access. The system improves security by closing down avenues for unauthorised access while eliminating passwords and their attendant costs and other problems."

SAFlink's SAFSolution is the first biometrics software specifically developed for integration with Microsoft Windows Active Directory service. It enables enterprise-level organisations to greatly tighten network security while reducing administrative time and costs.

The SAFlink middleware products are based on open-system industry standards and enable organisations to install clear-cut access profiles for employees from the lowest to the highest levels using a variety of hardware and other devices.

Johnstone says it is not just about single sign-on. "For most organisations the control of internal access to information, or to certain production or research areas, is critical. At the time that each employee's biometric sign-on is implemented, the access rights to company information and to physical areas are set - not just as an add-on - but as an integrated part of Microsoft's Active Directory."

He adds that annual password management costs run at between R1 500 and R3 000 per user. At the same time passwords don't really present much of barrier to an experienced hacker.

"Administrative costs can be slashed and security levels boosted with single sign-on, fingerprint recognition biometric systems that replace text passwords with a stronger authentication system using a unique physical characteristic such as a fingerprint, iris, voice pattern or facial contour.

"In this particular solution, users sign on with their thumbprints. It's quick, highly secure and cost-effective because it eliminates all the administrative support work demanded by a password system and it is not affected by the frailty of the human memory - no more time lost and costs attributed to resetting or installing new passwords."