Securing access to sensitive workstations across the commercial space requires more than just traditional passwords that are so easily lost or stolen. A robust, user-friendly, and frictionless approach that meets the compliance standards of today’s marketplace is imperative, including for healthcare, finance, corporate enterprise, and higher education sectors, amongst many others.
This is where the collaboration between AuthX, a leader in single sign-on (SSO) software, and KSI Keyboards, an innovator in secure hardware solutions, comes into play.
AuthX and KSI now offer a joint solution that streamlines and secures both workstation logon and logoff. The KSI-1700 SX HRFFFB-21 keyboard and AuthX software, working together, are the cornerstone of secure access.
Transforming Access Security with AuthX Software and KSI Hardware
AuthX software, with use of KSI’s 1700 series keyboard, simplifies the user experience. The AuthX platform integrates seamlessly with the keyboard’s suite of secure logon and logoff features, transforming user access into a single, fluid motion that leverages multi-factor authentication (MFA) and presence detection technology.
Enhanced User Experience with Badge & Fingerprint Readers
KSI’s keyboard includes integrated support for popular badge readers, allowing users to securely log on with a simple and quick contactless tap-in, tap-out. Whether employees are using iClass®, Seos®, HID®, or other types of badges, the AuthX platform works seamlessly with the keyboard to provide secure, instant access to authorized users. For organizations that require an additional layer of security, the keyboard’s integrated fingerprint reader serves as a reliable second factor for MFA, streamlining the user process without compromising security.
AuthX’s software ensures that user credentials are stored securely and that access is granted only after verifying each authentication factor. This setup not only meets compliance requirements for MFA in most sectors, but also offers a practical, user-friendly solution that reduces reliance on multiple passwords, a major source of security vulnerabilities.
KSI’s PresenceLock: Completing the Security Circle
A standout feature of the solution is KSI’s PresenceLock™, a patent-pending technology that redefines the traditional approach to user logoff. PresenceLock automatically detects when a user leaves the workstation and initiates a logoff sequence, effectively reducing the chances of unauthorized access due to unattended workstations. This feature closes the gap in access security by bridging both logon and logoff into a complete, secure cycle, ensuring that workstations are only accessible when the authorized user is present.
This “always-on” security measure enables organizations to manage user presence in real time, addressing the problem that insider threats pose to vacant workstations in healthcare, office, and other environments where data security is critical.
By automating logoff, KSI PresenceLock enables organizations to confidently meet compliance requirements while offering peace of mind for users.
Health-Conscious Hardware for a Modern Workspace
With an emphasis on workplace hygiene, the KSI-1700 SX HRFFFB-21 keyboard features a patented cleaning button designed to temporarily disable keys, allowing users to disinfect the keyboard without worrying about accidental keystrokes. This feature underscores KSI’s commitment to providing a holistic solution that addresses not only digital security but promotion of a healthier workspace as well. Given the heightened awareness around cleanliness at shared workstation environments, this impactful addition to the keyboard’s feature set is invaluable.
Why Our Collaboration Matters Across Sectors
The AuthX and KSI collaboration addresses distinct security challenges across multiple sectors:
- Healthcare: In an era where patient data privacy and security are paramount, the keyboard’s integrated badge reader and fingerprint, along with AuthX authentication, simplify compliance with HIPAA and ePrescribe requirements. The PresenceLock feature minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to patient data when workstations or medical carts are left unattended, while the cleaning button supports a sterile environment that helps prevent hospital-acquired infections.
- Finance: With stringent data protection standards in place, such as PCI-DSS, and possibly thousands to millions of dollars at stake on any given transaction, finance professionals require a secure and reliable means of accessing and logging off from their workstations. AuthX provides that protection with uniform access across all workstations, whether remote or onsite. The keyboard’s presence detection feature ensures access is always controlled, reducing the risk of data breaches perpetrated by bad actors.
- Corporate Enterprise: With many organizations moving towards zero-trust security models, every access point is verified. AuthX’s integration with KSI hardware enables a reliable and seamless approach to SSO and MFA, strengthening security while providing the flexibility to utilize legacy badge systems and support compliance with organizational security policies.
- Higher Education: Universities and colleges face unique challenges with shared workstations in computer labs and offices. By implementing a secure logon solution such as the AuthX and KSI keyboard solution, institutions can safeguard student and faculty data while minimizing disruption to the user experience. The PresenceLock feature ensures that only authenticated users are accessing workstations, enhancing the security of shared computers.
A Unified Approach to Security
The combination of KSI’s hardware with AuthX software represents a forward-thinking approach to secure workstation access, utilizing innovative hardware features and adaptable software. This joint solution serves multiple industries with varying needs, providing secure, compliant access through advanced MFA, streamlined SSO, and automated presence-based logoff.
The KSI-1700 SX HRFFFB-21 keyboard with AuthX single sign-on software represents the future of secure, convenient access. Whether for healthcare providers, financial professionals, enterprise users, or academic institutions, this unified approach to access security offers a seamless, frictionless experience.
Together, AuthX and KSI are redefining what it means to secure the modern workspace—making passwords a thing of the past and setting a new standard for user presence and access control.