Lenovo, AuthenTec and RSA announced on Tuesday an "industry first" security solution for commercial laptops that combines the convenience and security of AuthenTec biometrics with the strong authentication of RSA (security division of EMC), on select ThinkPad laptops.

Users in government and business can now rely upon this solution for robust, two-factor RSA SecurID authentication engineered to be integrated fully into the PC via AuthenTec’s TCS5 fingerprint sensor, which comes standard on ThinkPad laptops, including the ThinkPad T410s, X201, X201 tablet and W510.

Lenovo, AuthenTec and RSA worked together to create the solution. AuthenTec’ TCS5 fingerprint reader integrates the RSA SecurID algorithm in its secure co-processor and is designed to generate a secure one-time password after verifying a finger swipe. Passwords are automatically changed every 60 seconds, allowing users to securely access mission critical data and applications through VPNs and WLANs, e-mail, intranets and extranets, web servers and other network resources. The TCS5-SecurID solution works seamlessly with Lenovo’s ThinkVantage Fingerprint Software to provide a secure environment from pre-boot authentication through Microsoft Windows server log-on.

The new solution benefits both users and IT administrators. Previously, users had to carry a physical authentication token. Now all they have to do is conveniently swipe their finger and then enter the unique password for secure access. For IT administrators, the solution is designed to conveniently deploy multi-factor authentication while helping reduce the cost of managing physical tokens.

“RSA is committed to delivering authentication choice to the market. This new built-in solution for ThinkPad laptops supporting RSA SecurID strong authentication through fingerprint biometrics is a compelling option for enterprises requiring multi-factor authentication. This solution is engineered to offer stronger security via the devices that users already carry, coupling end-user convenience with cost effectiveness," Sam Curry, chief technology officer at RSA.

The latest Lenovo ThinkVantage Fingerprint Software can be downloaded from the company's web-site. The software is compatible with all current ThinkPad laptops and previous generation ThinkPad laptops equipped with UPEK fingerprint sensors.

Tags: Lenovo, ThinkPad