Deloitte Ireland has introduced two-factor authentication from ActivIdentity to secure access to its IT systems.
The certificate-based authentication system, ActivIdentity Smart Employee ID, will enable remote staff to log in securely to the central office database. It incorporates the ActivID Card Management System.
The new system will replace static passwords and multiple-employee smart cards with a single card to provide staff with secure access to their networks from any location in the world.
The new system will benefit more than 900 employees with secure remote access to IT systems across the firm’s locations in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Staff will also be able to use their smart card to access laptop and central IT systems when working within any Deloitte facility.
The company also worked with ActivIdentity to create a single multi-application smart card, enabling employees to authenticate themselves to all Deloitte Ireland offices and IT systems.
“Our business model is based on time rates, so our people must have access to information on demand to carry out their work effectively,” said John Gray, head of IT and operations at Deloitte Ireland. “We’re using the ActivIdentity solution to facilitate this process and to ensure data integrity is maintained at the highest possible security level.
“Not only does this help to assure clients, but it has also had a significant impact on our own staff’s perception of security.
“Our fully integrated solution allows users to access not only their own building, but all facilities within Deloitte Ireland. This ensures that our users carry their smart card with them at all times.
“The consolidation of logical and physical access has had a major impact on our employees’ awareness of IT security, and best practice is now at the forefront of their minds.
“We are also capitalising on the flexibility of the technology by rolling out a smart card-enabled solution delivering secure printing through our multi-function printing devices,” he concluded.
By Niall Byrne
