REINER SCT develops device for secure two-factor authentication with one-time password
Effective protection against identity theft and misuse of popular Internet accounts
Furtwangen, May 13, 2020 – REINER SCT, the specialist from the Black Forest for secure transactions on the Internet, has developed a device for two-factor authentication. It can be used immediately on all common platforms, such as Google, Amazon, PayPal or Facebook. Logging into digital user accounts using a user name and password is no longer considered secure. Almost all leading online platforms therefore offer the option of registering with an additional component. The time-based one-time password procedure, or TOTP for short, is usually used for this. Many providers integrate their customers’ smartphones for this purpose and provide an authenticator app. However, smartphones only have a low level of security and so the TOTP can be spied on. Just recently, ThreatFabric, an Amsterdam-based cybersecurity firm, warned that the latest version of the so-called “Cerberus” Trojan reads security codes for two-factor authentication on infected devices. The corresponding codes would be read from the Google Authenticator app, with access data for online banking, email and crypto exchanges.
Secure common platforms
Hardware-based TOTP generators, such as the new Authenticator from REINER SCT, are a secure alternative. It can be used to immediately secure accounts on popular platforms such as Google, Amazon, GMX, Web.de, 1&1, PayPal, Twitter and Facebook. REINER SCT provides an overview of all platforms with which the REINER SCT Authenticator already works on the website www.reiner-sct.com/authenticator. The function of the device is very simple: the customer opens the website for their customer account (e.g. www.amazon.de). In the login window, he enters his login data (usually user name and password). The customer is then asked to enter the one-time password (TOTP) during the two-step verification process. He switches on his Authenticator, selects the appropriate account (in this case Amazon) and presses the OK button. The TOTP code appears. This is valid for approx. 30 seconds. The user enters the code into the customer account and is securely logged in.
Development and production made in Germany
10 accounts can be managed with the REINER SCT Authenticator. The device can be used with a smartphone, tablet, notebook or desktop. No chip card is required. The technology and hardware were developed and designed in Germany. The device measures 102 x 62.5 x 19 mm and weighs 92 grams. The REINER SCT Authenticator stores the access data for the logins securely in its hardware. It works without an Internet connection and therefore cannot be attacked online and the access data can therefore never fall into the hands of third parties. Its function can also be secured with PIN protection. Compared to other solutions, the REINER SCT Authenticator has further significant advantages: It works without a time limit due to the highly accurate time synchronization and even after a battery change – other products usually have a usage period of two years due to the lack of synchronization. In addition, other products only allow the management of one account – the REINER SCT Authenticator can secure 10 accounts simultaneously. Software apps offer no or only a few backup options- if the smartphone breaks or is lost, access to the account is also lost.
BSI recommendation: 2FA
Two-factor authentication (2FA) makes a significant contribution to protecting user accounts against misuse and identity theft. The reason: If the username and password fall into the wrong hands, criminals will still not be able to compromise the account because they lack the other components. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) therefore expressly recommends the use of 2FA. Link to the short film: www.reiner-sct.com/authenticator About REINER SCT: REINER SCT is a recognized specialist for security in the digital world. The company develops and produces in Germany. The portfolio includes readers for secure online banking, the electronic ID card and payment terminals for retailers/tradespeople. With the “Authenticator”, REINER SCT has created a solution for secure access to platform accounts with 2-factor authentication. Another mainstay is intuitive time recording and access control systems for SMEs, which are also suitable for mobile workstations. Founded in 1997, the company operates worldwide and is part of the REINER Group. It is based in Furtwangen in the Black Forest and employs 45 people. Contact for the press: Reiner Kartengeräte GmbH & Co KG Robert Eichhorn Baumannstraße 16-18, 78120 Furtwangen T +49 (7723) 5056-763 E-Mail: reichhorn@reiner-sct.com Internet: www.reiner-sct.com
