infrastructure for the networked world, today announced that its VeriSign® Identity Protection (VIP) strong authentication is poised to help more small businesses protect their networks and employees from security threats.

VeriSign is embedding optional VIP authentication functionality into the new Cisco Small Business Pro SA 500 Series Security appliances, making it easier than ever for small businesses to provide employees with remote access to VPNs while protecting against email account takeover and other Internet threats. The optional VIP authentication service uses a proven solution to increase protection of business data and can be rapidly deployed with a single click.

VIP Authentication Service offers an additional layer of protection to any number of employees, partners or customers -- anyone who needs highly secure remote access to an organization's network. Two-factor authentication works by requiring each user to provide not just a username and password, but also a unique one-time six-digit security code generated by a user's VIP authentication credential.

Though businesses can leverage VIP credentials in many form factors, including traditional hardware tokens and credit card-sized credentials, many are opting to utilize VIP Access for Mobile, a free, easy-to-install mobile application. VIP Access for Mobile transforms more than 200 different mobile devices into VIP authentication credentials. The application costs nothing for businesses to deploy and is available now to mobile end-users at http://m.verisign.com and the iTunes® application store for iPhone™ users.

VeriSign also makes two-factor authentication more affordable by reducing the time and costs associated with managing the lifecycle of VIP authentication credentials. Through the VIP Authentication Service, VeriSign takes care of every aspect of credential lifecycle management, including issuance, synchronization, revocation, replacement, tracking and auditing.

"To legitimately safeguard business networks and the data that resides in them, companies can no longer rely on simple username and password sign-ons," said Kerry Loftus, vice president of Consumer Authentication Solutions at VeriSign. "With VIP authentication, we're helping small businesses remain a step ahead of attacks that could have serious financial and competitive implications. And with VIP, the process of implementing and managing two-factor authentication has never been easier or less costly."

VIP Authentication Service is increasingly popular among online merchants, financial institutions and government agencies the world over. A valid VIP authentication credential can allow users to authenticate themselves across any VIP-enabled Web site. That makes it more convenient for users to adopt two-factor authentication into their online routine. For online businesses, joining the VIP Network helps distribute the costs of stronger authentication.

About VeriSign

VeriSign, Inc. is the trusted provider of Internet infrastructure services for the networked world. VeriSign helps companies and consumers all over the world engage in communications and commerce with confidence.

Information Source:    VeriSign