Secure Computing Corp. on Monday released a software authentication tool that generates one-time-use passwords for laptops and mobile devices.

SafeWord MobilePass is designed to allow users to access VPNs, Citrix, Microsoft Outlook and several other applications through one-time passcodes generated on their personal mobile devices or laptop PCs. MobilePass is set up to provide two-factor authentication, establishing identity for users accessing trusted business and consumer applications.

"A growing number of companies are relying on mobile phones to help their workforce stay connected to their core businesses," said Sally Hudson, research director at IDC, in a written statement. "Two-factor authentication solutions like SafeWord have been successful at protecting remote connections to corporate networks and applications. With products such as MobilePass, the mobile workforce has the flexibility and convenience of using the mobile device they already carry with them everywhere."

Hudson also noted that this type of system will appeal to companies that have deployed mobile phones in large numbers and want to leverage that investment when implementing a two-factor authentication strategy.

Secure Computing reported in a written release that its new product is designed to generate passcodes that are never used twice and is available on several mobile platforms, including BlackBerry, Palm, Windows, and J2ME-enabled devices, as well as Windows Desktops.

"Providing remote access for enterprise and consumer applications is becoming mission-critical," said Stuart Rauch, a director at Secure Computing, in a written statement. "Mobile devices such as BlackBerrys and Palm-based mobile phones are indispensable tools for mobile workforce productivity. Now our customers can leverage the devices they already carry with them to generate one-time passcodes for secure remote access."