Danish based e-security software vendor Cryptomathic has launched version 2.1 of its digital signature software solution, Cryptomathic Signer, featuring enhancements for key-based client authentication from any Web browser.
Cryptomathic Signer 2.1 allows users to authenticate themselves to a Web server using secure sockets layer(SSL) client authentication from any Web browser.
SSL client authentication is based on the exchange of private and public cryptographic keys, unlike SSL server authentication where a password is required.
By providing secure centralised management of the user keys, Cryptomathic Signer 2.1 allows for the authentication of users without keys leaving the hardware security module.
Peter Landrock, UK managing director and founder of Cryptomathic, says the new system provides an alternative to businesses wanting to use client in addition to server authentication. He adds: "It delivers a cost effective option for businesses that want to introduce strong user authentication into their security strategy without the major upheaval of mass producing smart cards and deploying smart card readers."