Wave Systems Security Solution for Windows 8 Tablets Eliminates Need for Passwords on Enterprise Systems

The growing popularity of mobile devices has given many IT managers concerns about security as they develop internal policies to accommodate 'bring your own device' (BYOD) users while protecting enterprise data. Smartphones and other mobile devices operate under different technology platforms, and are no less of a malware target than a desktop PC is.

Wave Systems has developed a password-free security solution that works with Windows 8-based tablets that allows users access and companies to protect their data and control access.

Users will no longer have to remember multiple passwords with Wave security installed. It follows Trusted Platform Module (TPM) specifications, which creates a complex hash key based on the device's hardware and software configuration. TPM also uses a special chip that has an RSA key burned into it.

Encryption processes could either use this key or others derived from it. Users would enter a four-digit PIN to log on to the network, but the TPM support in the tablet would handle the rest of the authentication process.

Companies committed to Windows architecture will benefit the most from Wave Systems' security. Windows 8 tablets would be compatible with existing Active Directory environments. If all devices use Windows, there's no need to support multiple platforms or to provide additional training.

This eliminates many of the costs associated with Mobile Device Management.

Losing mobile devices is also a serious problem and security risk for companies. According to a 2012 report by WMBF, 12,000 laptops are lost in airports every week.

A 2011 Information Week article says that in Europe alone, the cost of these lost devices totaled $1.8 billion. The average organization lost 265 laptops per year and recovered only 12 of them. Only 34 percent of lost laptops had full-disk encryption.

It’s unlikely that this problem is much different for U.S. businesses.

With Wave’s security, losing tablets is not as damaging as admins have several options to rectify the situation. The device can be removed from Active Directory's Security Group, have a security certificate revoked or be disabled remotely.

Wave System has developed a great option for organizations fully committed to a Windows environment that need better security. It would not be a viable option for a company that supports BYOD, but many companies don’t, so this is not a problem for them. The password-free access, the integration with existing Windows security features and the ability to deal with lost devices make Wave a great option for the right environment.