TelstraClear boosts security

TelstraClear has begun marketing a two-factor authentication service developed by Wellington information technology company Fronde that lets employees securely log on to company networks from any computer using their mobile phone.

Users of the service BizGlobal key a password into their phone to obtain a one-time security code they can then type into a computer to access their company's systems.

Fronde subsidiary Fronde Anywhere originally developed the service for the banking industry. It is used by Kiwibank customers to secure phone-based banking transactions.

TelstraClear customer experience head John Bone says it is better than using special hardware tokens that many businesses, including TelstraClear, have relied on for two-factor authentication because people usually have their phones with them.

The company plans to use BizGlobal to provide its own staff with secure access to its computers and will market it to customers priced from $140 a month for up to five users. "We have got a number of customers that are beginning to use it under an early-adopter programme," Mr Bone says.

Fronde Anywhere chief executive Caroline Dewe says the software needed little customisation for TelstraClear. While there are other businesses that sell similar software, Ms Dewe says Fronde is early to market and has built a good list of reference customers, including TelstraClear, which would be invaluable.

"Whenever you are selling a security product you have got more hurdles. Customers like to know you have got references."

Ms Dewe says the system can be used to guard access to online government services.

- © Fairfax NZ News