What is an RSA SecurID Key and how does it work?
A. The RSA SecurID® solution is the world’s leading two-factor user authentication system, relied on by thousands of organizations worldwide to protect valuable network resources. Used in conjunction with RSA® Authentication Manager and RSA® Authentication Agent software, an RSA SecurID Authenticator functions like an ATM card. Network and desktop users must identify themselves with two unique factors—something they know, and something they have—before they are granted access. RSA SecurID Authenticators are as simple to use as entering a password, but much more secure. Each end user is assigned a token which generates a new, unpredictable code every 60 seconds. The user combines this number with a password/PIN to log into protected resources.
The RSA SecurID Key is a device that generates a random 6-digit numeric code every 60 seconds. The RSA SecurID was patented in 1987 and was designed to work in a completely disconnected mode.
The RSA SecurID Key technology works by using a keyfob token which is completely sealed and contains a clock, a battery, an algorithm, and a seed record which is unique to each token. This token expires on a predetermined date. Every minute the token uses the current time, seed record, and algorithm to produce a very large number which it hashes down to this random 6-digit code. You use this code to authenticate with the system/vpn that you are trying to gain access to. Since it is one-way there is no way back to the seed record.
It is very difficult for someone to break the RSA SecurID Key code and authentication without gaining access to the token which can be disabled if lost or stolen. The RSA SecurID Key has been in use for over 15 years and is used by ~80% of Fortune 1000 companies currently. There are 10 million users of RSA SecurID.
A. The RSA SecurID® solution is the world’s leading two-factor user authentication system, relied on by thousands of organizations worldwide to protect valuable network resources. Used in conjunction with RSA® Authentication Manager and RSA® Authentication Agent software, an RSA SecurID Authenticator functions like an ATM card. Network and desktop users must identify themselves with two unique factors—something they know, and something they have—before they are granted access. RSA SecurID Authenticators are as simple to use as entering a password, but much more secure. Each end user is assigned a token which generates a new, unpredictable code every 60 seconds. The user combines this number with a password/PIN to log into protected resources.
