RSA Struts New Authentication Token

RSA Security on Monday shipped a new USB-based two-factor token that lets users manage a range of authentication schemes, including one-time passwords and digital certificates.

The RSA SecurID SID800, part of RSA's SecurID initiative and platform, sports a 64k smart chip -- which functions in ways similar to a smart card -- that is capable of storing up to 7 digital certificates and 3 sets of password credentials, for logging on to Windows.

The USB device is also able to read one-time passwords directly from the authenticator, eliminating the need to manually enter one-time passwords, said RSA.

Also on Monday, the Bedford, Mass.-based security vendor announced that a pair of Pennsylvania banks -- American Bank in Allentown and Stonebridge Bank in West Chester, will join other financial institutions such as E-Trade to offer their online customers two-factor authentication.

RSA has been pushing its SecurID technology and tokens as a solution to the online banking anxiety that's developed because of phishing and other identity theft threats.