New Identive smart card reader uses iPad, iPhone for secure network authentication
10 April, 2013
category: Corporate, Digital ID, Smart Cards
Identive has launched its iAuthenticate smart card reader solution, which has been certified by Apple’s MFi program for use with iPhones and iPads mobile devices.
The iAuthenticate reader will enable customers to use their Apple mobile devices to self-authenticate to secure networks, web sites and payment systems via chip-based smart IDs or credit cards.
Initially targeting the iPhone 4S and 3GS models, second and third generation iPads and original iPads running iOS 5.0 or later, iAuthenticate has added an adapter that will support use of the iPhone 5, fourth generation iPad and the new iPad mini. The readers are currently available directly from Identive or from its authorized resellers.
Identive’s new reader is a response to the increasingly popular bring your own device phenomenon that now spans both the corporate and government sectors. The need for simple and secure authentication is evident and allowing personal devices to be used to authenticate employee IDs seems the logical solution.
Identive’s iAuthenticate reader supports the authentication of both corporate and highly secure, federally issued smart identification credentials from an Apple iPad or iPhone.
The possibilities on the government side could be enormous with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and other similar U.S. Government agencies employing millions of employees and contractors— each conceivably carrying their own mobile device. To address security concerns, iAuthenticate enables secure employee logon to federal websites, web-based accounts and email without having to carry a laptop or be physically present in their offices.
To further ensure a secure solution and to address the stringent requirements of the U.S. government, Identive’s iAuthenticate reader comes bundled with Thursby Software’s PKard Reader secure browsing app, which allows both CAC and PIV smart card users to access web-based email, portal and collaboration sites. Thursby is a leading provider of Apple iOS enterprise security, management and integration solutions.
To accompany the Thursby software, the iAuthenticate readers also align with necessary federal standards including TAA, FIPS 140-2 and FIPS 201, with a further application in the works for inclusion on the U.S. General Services Administration’s Approved Product List.
