Comtrust, the e-business unit of Etisalat, has introduced PKI (for public key infrastructure) over smart card, an online authentication solution for executives on the move.
Through the use of a smart card, users are able to virtually identify themselves anywhere, anytime, enabling access to secure networks as well as allowing secure online communications and transactions.
The solution utilises a two-factor security - it comprises something you know (pin/password) with something you have (smart card), according to a statement from Comtrust.
"In effect, PKI over Smart Card becomes the user's security pass to the organisation's virtual world. It verifies the identity of the user requesting access to a network, it stipulates what he or she can and cannot do on that network and it enables other transacting parties to authenticate the user's identity," said Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar, general manager.
The solution has already been deployed at a few government entities and financial institutions.
"The ability for users to remotely connect to secure networks is great as is the need for secure online communication. The pre-dominant username/password scheme of authentication is insufficient to effectively control access to sensitive information," said Julfar.
The PKI over smart card features a smart card, a smart card terminal (reader/writer), smart card management and administration software and a digital certificate.
The solution allows organisations to attribute a unique identity to an individual as well as assigning specified access rights and privileges to secure networks.
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