MCI is to partner with Aventail to deliver clientless
Secure Sockets Layer virtual private network technology, and will
introduce new features to its Remote Access suite of services,
including technology to detect online fraud and scramble user
passwords sent over its global network.
SSL VPNs are an increasingly popular technology for providing
remote users with access to network resources such as e-mail,
software applications and network file servers.
As opposed to VPNs that use secure Internet Protocol, clientless
SSL VPNs do not need a separate software application to run on the
remote user's machine. They also rely on the SSL protocol, which is
a part of most common web servers and web browsers and widely used
to secure e-commerce transactions.
MCI's managed remote VPN service will allow customers to connect
to corporate networks from any internet connection using any
computer with a web browser, MCI said.
The new service will be integrated with MCI's desktop remote
access platform, called Access Manager, and its administrative
platform for Remote Access Service called Enterprise Services
Management. That integration will make it simpler for
administrators to manage user passwords and access policies, the
company said.
MCI is also building security into Remote Access network
services. The Remote Access program provides a range of security
services and support for companies with employees who need to
access corporate networks through wireless, DSL or Ethernet
connections.
In May, the company will begin offering anti-fraud protection
for Remote Access customers. The new features use patented
anti-fraud technology called "MCI Sheriff" to spot fraudulent
traffic generated when a user's account is hijacked by an
unauthorised user.
MCI will also add support for Extensible Authentication Protocol
(EAP) to Remote Access later this year.
EAP is an authentication protocol designed to insure
interoperability and compatibility between different user
authentication systems. Support of EAP on MCI's global IP network
will provide stronger authentication for user passwords and other
data sent over that network, MCI said.
Paul Roberts writes for IDG News
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