Reuters.com, January 22, 2009 -

Virgin Media Business (formerly ntl:Telewest Business) Strengthens Authentication Capabilities for Remote Worker ServicesChooses CRYPTOCard’s Managed Authentication Service (CRYPTO-MAS)

Two-factor authentication increases positive identification assurances for remote workers connecting to corporate networks
- Enhancement complies with upcoming security legislation for local authorities
- Service uses cloud-based technologies to enable fast, cost-effective deployments ntl:Telewest Business today announced that it has strengthened its authentication practices for services that enable remote workers to access corporate networks. The two-factor authentication services will give private and public sector customer's greater capabilities to positively identify remote workers when they attempt access.

This added layer of security will harden network defences for businesses seeking to extend flexible working practices and local authorities needing to comply with the new GCSx Code of Connection, which states that all public sector workers must adhere to higher level security controls when remotely accessing internal systems. It uses technology from CRYPTOCard, a leading developer of two-factor authentication (2FA) technology.

The reliance of workers accessing corporate networks when away from the office has heightened the security requirements for organisations needing to manage an increasingly mobile workforce. This can expose organisations to a multitude of security risks, which could result in customer and public information being viewed on the wrong side of a corporate firewall.

Two-factor authentication delivers a higher level of authentication assurance, in the form of a one-time-password token used in conjunction with the user's Personal Identification Number (PIN). The new service works as a two-factor authentication solution, which requires each user to enter a one-time password before they are allowed to access corporate network resources. This eliminates weak 'static' passwords that can be easily cracked or hacked and could be forgotten or mismanaged by the user. IT managers can choose whether to roll out the passwords as hardware tokens or in software form, such as SMSs, depending on the organisation's preferences.

"The news that the government plans to extend flexible working rights to an estimated 4.5 million people greatly impacts the IT department, who will ultimately be responsible for securing the technology to make this possible," said Andrew McGrath, Commercial Director of ntl:Telewest Business.

"We wanted to give IT managers a choice to add another layer of employee authentication, which would make it even harder for intruders to access their intellectual property. With employees having to provide two pieces of information to identify themselves before they are granted access to the corporate network, the IT manager can rest assured that their information is secure end-to-end, whether a user is in the office, on the move, or working from home."

"By adding this solution to our remote working portfolio, we are responding to this demand for enhanced security. As the service leverages cloud-based technologies it requires no up-front networking investment, so it is very cost-effective and quick to deploy," said Mr McGrath.

Flexible working is revolutionising working practices in the UK with its ability to improve work/life balance and enable cost and environmental savings. The widespread availability of high-speed broadband connections has made it comparatively simple to grant workers remote access to company networks. Ultimately compliance with flexible working practices will be made easier as businesses and public sector bodies become satisfied that their sensitive data is secure.

Neil Hollister, CEO and Chairman, CRYPTOCard, said "As workforce mobility and remote working strategies continue to evolve so the need to ensure trusted and secure connectivity becomes paramount to any remote access offering. As the market leader in providing technically advanced, adaptable and cost-effective managed authentication solutions we're delighted that ntl:Telewest Business has chosen CRYPTOCard as its partner to underpin its enhanced authentication services."

About ntl:Telewest Business

ntl:Telewest Business has the most technically advanced of the UK's two national networks. Its vast nation-wide Next Generation Network provides businesses, public sector organisations and service providers across the UK with a complete portfolio of advanced data, internet and voice services. The 13billion pounds sterling network is flexible, scalable and is already built out to more than 38,000 street cabinets across the UK. As part of a commitment to deliver superior customer service, ntl:Telewest Business sales and support teams are located in close proximity to its customers in over 40 centres across the UK. ntl:Telewest Business is trusted to provide critical communications to high profile customers including: Birmingham City Council, Yorkshire Water and EasyJet.

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For further information go to http://www.ntltelewestbusiness.co.uk

About CRYPTOCard

With the best token technology in the industry and the lowest total cost of ownership, CRYPTOCard offers unsurpassed value in solutions for positively identifying individuals before giving them access to applications, data and networks. Twenty years of technical achievements have won CRYPTOCard the trust of thousands of organizations in over seventy countries. CRYPTOCard's solutions reduce the risks associated with remote access and web-based processes, and increase compliance, at a price all businesses can afford. The only company to offer authentication in server-based, managed service and build-it-yourself options, CRYPTOCard provides the most flexible solutions on the market.

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