Latin America. HID Global announced the launch of the Crescendo Mobile virtual smart card to bring convenience to high security in accessing computers, networks or cloud applications. HID's new virtual smart card uses digital certificates on users' mobile devices for client authentication.
The Crescendo Mobile virtual smart card offers those organizations that want to eliminate passwords a solution that combines the high security standards of physical authenticators with the functionality of a mobile solution. Crescendo Mobile works similarly to Crescendo's high-security smart cards, with which it is compatible; however, instead of inserting a separate device into a contact smart card reader, it connects to a desktop computer via an NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth reader.
"Both end users and IT staff have been looking for a high-security solution that enables secure access to networked assets that can use resources that people already carry with them, namely their mobile devices," said Brad Jarvis, vice president and executive director of identity and access management solutions (IAM Solutions) at HID Global. "A key to ensuring that security protocols are followed is to ensure that they are as user-friendly as possible. The ubiquity of mobile phones, tablets and other similar devices makes them an obvious choice to incorporate them into the security system."
Not only does it bring convenience to the user experience, but the implementation of Crescendo Mobile is simple. The Crescendo Mobile app can be downloaded on Android or iOS devices. Similarly, IT staff can distribute secure cryptographic credentials to users without using, or spending on, smart cards or smart card readers. The implementation of this solution is particularly economical for contractors and remote users.
The following are some of the everyday situations where it is possible to use the Crescendo Mobile solution:
Allow a user to sign in and unlock a Windows workstation to access cloud applications, a virtual private network (RVP), desktop applications, and the Microsoft active directory.
Importantly, when the user walks away, the Crescendo Mobile app automatically locks the workstation.
End users can use their phone to carry the keys and digital certificates needed to digitally sign email, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat documents.
Ensure the protection of sensitive data by requiring the phone to access encrypted email messages or files using Windows EFS file encryption.
The Crescendo Mobile app is available for Android 7, or later, on Google Play and for iOS 11, or later, on the iTunes App Store. Crescendo Mobile is part of HID's authentication solution that includes the ActivID® credential management system, enabling complete lifecycle management of both authenticators and authenticator-protected credentials.
