RIM boosts BlackBerry multi-factor authentication

Research in Motion today announced a new version of its BlackBerry Smart Card Reader, designed to offer improved security and easier multi-factor authentication for organisations.

The reader is a lightweight device featuring advanced AES-256 encryption and Bluetooth 2.0 support to enable secure connection with BlackBerrys, computers and Public Key Infrastructure applications.

Once the device is synchronised with a BlackBerry, IT administrators can set up handsets to ensure that passwords work only if the Reader is within range, and set the phone to lock automatically as soon as it is out of range, said RIM.

"The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader provides security-conscious organisations with another powerful tool for controlling access to computers and BlackBerry smartphones," said Scott Totzke, vice president of the BlackBerry Security Group at RIM.

"This new model further builds on the security, flexibility and mobility of the trusted BlackBerry Enterprise Solution."

The reader supports all ISO 7816 compliant smartcards, and provides out-of-the-box support for Personal Identity Verification cards, Common Access Cards and Safenet 330 cards, according to RIM.

The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader is set to become available in September.