Lenovo Makes ThinkPad Line Even More Secure With Help From AuthenTec And RSA

Lenovo and security go together quite well. The company's ThinkPad line has made a name for itself over the years as being one of the most robust, rugged and secure notebook lines on the market. And now, with business users more concerned about their privacy and security, the company is taking another big step to ensure that data is kept where it should be. Lenovo is partnering with AuthenTec and RSA to deliver an "industry first" security solution for commercial laptops that combines the convenience and security of AuthenTec biometrics with the strong authentication of RSA.

It's mostly for users in government and business who need two-factor RSA SecurID authentication as well as AuthenTec’s TCS5 fingerprint sensor, which is standard equipment on the ThinkPad T410s, X201, X201 tablet and W510. Here's how it all works: the AuthenTec TCS5 fingerprint reader integrates the RSA SecurID algorithm in its secure co-processor and is designed to generate a secure one-time password after verifying a finger swipe. Passwords are automatically changed every 60 seconds, allowing users to securely access mission critical data and applications through VPNs and WLANs, e-mail, intranets and extranets, web servers and other network resources. The TCS5-SecurID solution works with Lenovo’s ThinkVantage Fingerprint Software to provide a secure environment from pre-boot authentication through Microsoft Windows server log-on. Complicated, sure, but that's the point. If you need the ultimate in security, you have to be ready to be ultra patient.

The good news is that this method replaces the old "carry a token" around. Users just swipe their finger and then enter the unique password for secure access. Even better news is this: the latest Lenovo ThinkVantage Fingerprint Software can be downloaded beginning today, and the software is compatible with all current ThinkPad laptops and previous generation ThinkPad laptops equipped with UPEK fingerprint sensors.

Lenovo ThinkPad Laptops First to Unite Top Security Standard with Convenience of a Simple Swipe

AuthenTec and RSA Technology Solution Adds Strong Two-Factor Authentication for Government and Business PC Users

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. & MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY), AuthenTec (NASDAQ: AUTH), and RSA announced today an industry first security solution for commercial laptops that combines the convenience and security of AuthenTec biometrics with the strong authentication of RSA, the Security Division of EMC (NYSE: EMC), on select ThinkPad laptops. Users in government and business can now rely upon this solution for robust, two-factor RSA SecurID® authentication engineered to be integrated fully into the PC via AuthenTec’s TCS5 fingerprint sensor, which comes standard on ThinkPad laptops, including the ThinkPad T410s, X201, X201 tablet and W510.

    “This new built-in solution for ThinkPad laptops supporting RSA SecurID strong authentication through fingerprint biometrics is a compelling option for enterprises requiring multi-factor authentication. This solution is engineered to offer stronger security via the devices that users already carry, coupling end-user convenience with cost effectiveness.”

Technical Collaboration

Lenovo, AuthenTec and RSA worked together to create this strong solution. AuthenTec’ TCS5 fingerprint reader integrates the RSA SecurID algorithm in its secure co-processor and is designed to generate a secure one-time password after verifying a finger swipe. Passwords are automatically changed every 60 seconds, allowing users to securely access mission critical data and applications through VPNs and WLANs, e-mail, intranets and extranets, web servers and other network resources. The TCS5-SecurID solution works seamlessly with Lenovo’s ThinkVantage® Fingerprint Software to provide a secure environment from pre-boot authentication through Microsoft® Windows® server log-on.

Convenience, Security Benefits

The new solution benefits both users and IT administrators. Previously, users had to carry a physical authentication token. Now all they have to do is conveniently swipe their finger and then enter the unique password for secure access. For IT administrators, the solution is designed to conveniently deploy multi-factor authentication while helping reduce the cost of managing physical tokens.

Quotes

“This solution gives IT administrators and PC users what each group wants – strong security and convenience,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president, ThinkPad Marketing, Lenovo. “Combining our engineering and laptop design skills with fingerprint sensor technology from AuthenTec and secure two-factor authentication from RSA results in a more secure and productive computing experience.”

“RSA is committed to delivering authentication choice to the market,” said Sam Curry, Chief Technology Officer, Marketing, at RSA, The Security Division of EMC. “This new built-in solution for ThinkPad laptops supporting RSA SecurID strong authentication through fingerprint biometrics is a compelling option for enterprises requiring multi-factor authentication. This solution is engineered to offer stronger security via the devices that users already carry, coupling end-user convenience with cost effectiveness.”

“This solution achieves a new level of convenient security for PC users in the enterprise and greatly expands our longstanding relationship with Lenovo,” said Art Stewart, Vice President of Smart Sensor Solutions, AuthenTec. “This security solution is helping to reduce PC deployment costs by using a single, integrated authentication solution that secures not only each sensor-equipped laptop in the enterprise but the networks to which they connect.”