spouseele -> RE: Multiple Sessions by one user (29.Dec.2002 12:36:00 PM)
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Hi Tom,
this is my problem too! As I understand the product, there isn't really "something I have" at least not physical. So, I think you should rather compare the software SmartCard with a software Token.
However, compared to the default certificate store on Windows, I think it has some real benefits. The problem with a hardware SmartCard is the implementation and ongoing support cost. Especially if you don't have control over the environment. So, a lot of people try to simplify the implementation by *not* installing the certificate on a SmartCard but on the PC itself.
The problem now is that storing the certificate on the PC itself is *not* very secure because at best the certificate is only protected by a password and only that password enables the use of the certificate. So, it is very susceptible to offline attacks because there is no method to disable the certificate after a number of bad passwords. This is major drawback.
That problem seems to be solved with the software SmartCard solution from Arcot. To the user (or attacker) a great number of passwords *seems* to give you a valid certificate. The only way to find it out is to try it out. So, the central authentication service will see those tryouts and have now a method to detect the bad tryouts and lock out the certificate and corresponding account after a number of bad attempts. I think this is a major step forward!
What do you think?
Thanks, Stefaan
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