Authenex Promises to Drive Authentication Costs Down and Security Up.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2001

Authenex Inc., a Silicon Valley based 2-factor network authentication company, has introduced a new device to authenticate users remotely or locally. Henry Hon, Authenex's vice-president, says, "We will revolutionize authentication over the Internet. Our solution is so cost effective, easy to use, and secure that Authenex will be the first name in authentication." A bold claim; the Authenex solution has technology to back it up.

The Authenex solution is asynchronous so there is lower network management overhead cost. It employs a hardware token, the A-Key, which is plugged into the USB port of a computer, and a software package, the A-Guard, which is part of the AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) in the perimeter of an enterprise network. When a user wants access to a network the key will be inserted and a PIN supplied, like an ATM machine.

The heightened level of security Authenex offers is made possible through use of the newest technology available. The A-Key contains a microprocessor and unique secrets that are impossible to crack and employs the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which is the next generation of encryption standard employed by U.S. Government agencies.

With the cost of A-Keys 80% below its competition, lower management overhead and ease of use, Authenex is poised to capture a significant share of the AAA market. Taking aim at the market leader, RSA's SecurID, Hon says, "It is just plain better than SecurID. Our authentication process is more secure, less costly, easier to use, and there is no need for resynching." Beyond the rhetoric, many corporations will now find better security within their financial reach.

In addition to the corporate market, the public Internet market, especially membership sites and e-commerce, will benefit from low-cost, strong authentication. Membership sites are suffering from revenue loss due to massive sharing of access passwords, while e-commerce is losing billions to fraud. The solution is Authenex's Global Authentication Service. In this market, the A-Keys are low cost enough to be distributed as marketing pieces. The A-Key is easy to use, and will be readily accepted by consumers.

Authenex's device is easy to use, and more secure than competing devices. It has priced itself to rapidly gain market share; with these components, Authenex's methods and technology will change the standard of authentication.