Security Dynamics offers enhanced security to protect LANs and prevent toll fraud; Agreements with MERGENT and OTG extend SecurID authentication to LAN and long-distance phone users

Business Wire, June 19, 1995

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 1995--Security Dynamics Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SDTI), a leading provider of computer and network security solutions, today announced the interoperability of its patented SecurID and ACE/Server technologies with MERGENT International, a leading comprehensive information security solution provider, and the Ottowa Telephony Group (OTG), developer of a telephone toll fraud prevention system. Network managers can now offer easy-to-use, highly secure user authentication to protect two additional exposure points on their corporate networks.

"Today's partnership brings two-factor SecurID authentication to two new and diverse groups of corporate users. Through these new partnerships, we will help not only to deter the hacker at the PC-LAN point-of-entry, closing another possible hole in the network, but also prevent toll fraud abuse protecting valuable corporate `voice' resources," said James M. Geary, vice president of marketing at Security Dynamics. "The compatibility of these two disparate technologies demonstrates the unique flexibility of the ACE/Server software architecture to support a diverse range of third-party products."

In today's diverse and distributed networks, access control is a key component of a successful corporate security plan. By utilizing the SecurID Card, customers have an alternative to traditional one-factor authentication. "MERGENT is pleased to offer clients the opportunity to enhance their information security using ACE/Server software and the SecurID Card," said John Ryan, vice president of marketing and business development at MERGENT. "Using Security Dynamics' technology in conjunction with MERGENT's market leading PC-LAN security solution allows a corporation the assurance that its valuable information resources are protected."

Telephone toll fraud is an increasing drain on valuable corporate resources, with the Communication Fraud Control Association estimating that $3 billion to $5 billion dollars a year is lost in the United States and Canada due to unauthorized phone access. "Security Dynamics is widely recognized as the premier provider of data protection security software," said Mark Kovalsky, president of OTG. "Integrating SecurID technology with the OTG Call Control System now brings the ACE/Server software's high level of security to the protection of voice resources."

How Security Dynamics technology works with MERGENT and OTG

The SecurID Card provides dynamic, two-factor authentication that combines something a user knows -- a memorized password or PIN -- with something the user possesses -- a randomly generated access code that changes every 60 seconds. To access a protected network, the user enters a secret personal identification number (PIN) followed by the current access code displayed on the card's LCD.

MERGENT's PC/DACS products and OTG's Call Control System will now support Security Dynamics' ACE/Server network security software. MERGENT's customers will have the opportunity to utilize two-factor authentication through Security Dynamics' patented SecurID Card technology. The user will log on the PC with a personal identification number and the SecurID Card will validate access using the ACE/Server. The ACE/Server software resides on a TCP/IP network and uses SecurID's two-factor authentication to identify any user attempting to access a networked PC.

The OTG Call Control System (CCS) receives calls that originate from a public switched telephone network such as AT&T and are routed through the user's corporate central phone lines. With the integration of Security Dynamics' technology, a caller receives a false dial tone and is asked to provide the correct SecurID card code and PIN. After this information has been positively authenticated by the ACE/Server software, the CCS will provide the caller with long-distance access to only authorized destinations. ACE/Server software centrally manages and administers user access codes to provide access to network resources and also maintains a comprehensive audit trail that records all access attempts.

Pricing and availability

OTG's Call Control System is available now with ACE/Server software support. MERGENT plans to offer ACE/Server support for PC/DACS beginning in June 1995. ACE/Server network security software is currently available for a wide range of enterprise network security applications -- pricing begins at $1,950; SecurID Card pricing starts at $34.

About the partners

Founded in 1985, MERGENT International's information security products protect the integrity of more than 1.5 million PCs worldwide. MERGENT's security solutions include comprehensive implementation and consulting services designed to meet the needs of each individual client. Its customers include Global 2000 organizations, government agencies and financial institutions. MERGENT is privately held and based in Rocky Hill, Conn.

The Ottawa Telephony Group Inc. (OTG) is a Canadian-owned and a controlled subsidiary of the Ottowa Technology Group Inc. (incorporated July 1990). Its founders have over 35 years experience in real-time development for the high technology marketplace in Canada. OTG provides security solutions to customers in the Canadian Federal and Ontario Provincial governments, financial institutions, telecommunications resellers and private telecom industry. The mission of OTG is to effectively perform a leading role as a communications solutions supplier worldwide through the development of new products, services and capabilities in the telecommunications/telephony industry.