Mobile Access to Private Networks Made Easier With AT&T Token Authentication Service

DALLAS, May 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T* has announced the addition of soft token authentication support to AT&T Token Authentication Service, which helps mobile workers more easily protect commercial and government resources using software on smartphones and laptops. A soft token is the software equivalent of a traditional hardware token, which generates a one-time passcode that authenticates a user's identity to enable highly secure access to private networks.

AT&T Token Authentication Service is based on market-leading RSA SecurID® authentication solution from RSA, The Security Division of EMC. It is engineered to provide two-factor authentication to help protect networks and applications from access by unauthorized users and malicious hackers, while allowing authorized end-users to access virtual private networks (VPN) and remote access applications, Web servers and operating systems. Two-factor authentication is based on a password or PIN in combination with a software authenticator providing a more secure level of user authentication than static passwords.  

"This new offer from AT&T helps commercial and government customers and their remote workers stay connected in an easier but still highly secure manner," said Edward G. Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer for AT&T. "CIOs and IT managers continue to look for new ways to protect their mobile workers and data, with more than 60 percent of enterprises using authentication methods other than simple passwords for workforce remote access to enterprise networks, according to Gartner."(1)

The addition of soft token authentication to the AT&T Token Authentication Service enables users to conveniently access commercial and government private networks by installing RSA SecurID software tokens on personal devices. Additionally, consolidating the RSA SecurID token with a critical business device decreases costs associated with lost and misplaced tokens.  

"We are delighted to continue our ongoing relationship with AT&T, one of our key Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) alliances," said Bill Taylor, Senior Director, Global Channels and Alliances, RSA, The Security Division of EMC. "At RSA, we help the world's leading organizations solve their most complex and sensitive security challenges. Combining our security products and solutions with AT&T's expertise provides customers with more choices, and extends the security features provided by RSA SecurID authentication to the mobile channel."

AT&T delivers a suite of security and business continuity services to help assess vulnerabilities, protect infrastructure, detect attacks, and respond to suspicious activities and events. More information on AT&T's managed security services can be found at www.att.com/security.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

(1) Good Authentication Choices for Workforce Remote Access, Ant Allan, John Girard, Gartner (Dec. 21, 2009)

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T |DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine. 

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© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. RSA and SecurID are either registered trademarks or trademarks of EMC Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.