Here ‘s another big step for the iPhone as a device that can be taken seriously in corporate environments. The new RSA SecurID Software Token app for the iPhone lets you use the iPhone as the software authenticator in a two-factor authentication system.
For as long as I can remember, RSA has been the leading provider of secure, two-factor authentication systems for remote access to corporate networks and systems. This new iPhone app, if I ‘m understanding it correctly, will take the place of the SecurID fobs that corporate types used to have to carry around (and often lose) in order to get remote access.
Here ‘s more about the new app, from its App Store description page:
Protect your most sensitive networked information and data with strong RSA SecurID two-factor authentication. RSA SecurID two-factor authentication is based on something you have (an authenticator) and something you know (a PIN) providing a much more reliable level of user authentication than reusable, easy-to-guess passwords. RSA SecurID now supports using your iPhone as your software authenticator.
By generating your RSA SecurID one-time password on your iPhone, you eliminate the need to carry a separate hardware authenticator. Administrators can rapidly and securely deploy software tokens to users ‘ devices. And end-users can import the token with just one tap.
I think it ‘s great to see this app come to the iPhone, and think it will be a good further selling point for it among corporates. With hardware encrytpion coming long in the iPhone 3GS as well, the iPhone should start to see a few more enterprise doors open.
With RSA SecurID, support for Cisco VPN, some very effective Terminal Services client apps, and the powerful Mobile Safari browser, the iPhone offers a pretty complete package for corporate remote access on the go.
The RSA SecurID app needs to be used in conjunction with RSA systems at the ‘server’ end ‘ of course, as per their note on their App Store page:
Note: This application does not provide two-factor authentication to the iPhone itself.  One-time passwords generated with this application can be used to access other RSA SecurID protected resources, such as VPNs, WLANs, and web applications. Prerequisites: In order to use this application, your company must also have purchased RSA Authentication Manager and RSA SecurID Software Token Seeds (SD820). The application does not generate one-time passwords without a software token seed.
RSA SecurID Software Token is in the App Store now, and it ‘s a free app.
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