Dutch Ministry Deploys ActivCard Authentication to Positively Identify Employees for Netilla Remote Access Solution

Working Together, ActivCard, Netilla, and Kahuna Networks Offer SSL VPN Access with the Enhanced Security of Multi-Factor Authentication.

DUTCH MINISTRY DEPLOYS ACTIVCARD AUTHENTICATION TO POSITIVELY IDENTIFY EMPLOYEES FOR NETILLA REMOTE ACCESS SOLUTION

Working Together, ActivCard, Netilla, and Kahuna Networks Offer SSL VPN Access with the Enhanced Security of Multi-Factor Authentication

FREMONT, California and SOMERSET, New Jersey (PRWEB) October 23, 2003 -- ActivCard (NASDAQ: ACTI), a leading global provider of Secure Digital Identity and Authentication solutions and Netilla Networks, a leading provider of SSL VPN and secure application access management solutions, have announced that the Netherlands Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management has implemented their combined solution for secure remote access. Working with leading Dutch systems integrator Kahuna Networks, the Ministry selected the Netilla Security Platform SSL VPN solution, ActivCard two-factor authentication tokens and ActivPack AAA server software for positive identification of remote access users to reap the benefits of:

·         Versatile end-user VPN access from any location or device via SSL encryption embedded in standard web browsers -- to any client/server, web, or file sharing resource.

·         Lower total cost of ownership of an SSL VPN solution protected by one-time-passwords that avoid traditional IT expenses of software installation, helpdesk services, password change policy enforcement, and leased token replacement.

·         Increased security of strong authentication that eliminates vulnerabilities of static passwords as the weakest link in the chain of security -- and the risks from reusable passwords that are easily hacked, guessed or stolen by unauthorised parties.

From the beginning of our deployment, the enhanced security of ActivCard one-time-passwords and the Netilla SSL VPN solution have been simple to use," stated Geert Zimmermann, a consultant for the Ministrys IT department. Through a single web-based user interface, our staff gains secure access to standard office applications and network resources -- regardless of their location and without installing client software. There was only one restraint in the beginning and that was access to local drives during sessions. Netilla solved that problem for us. As far as IT administrators are concerned, the emphasis is that they no longer have to manage hundreds of remote clients."

Demands for responsive government and the productivity improvements made possible by mobile computing led to the Dutch Ministrys initial decision to invest in a secure remote access solution. With over 2,500 employees and a breadth of responsibility for safeguarding Netherlands transportation and water supply infrastructure for over 16 million citizens, Ministry employees require access to networks and applications from any location. Netillas SSL VPN solution meets the need for streamlined connection to those services while working offsite, travelling on official matters, and for project management during evenings and weekends. ActivCards ActivPack one-time-password authentication delivers the assurance that users are who they say they are prior to granting access to business-critical data via the VPN. Kahuna Network Solutions, a value-added reseller serving the Netherlands region, integrated and deployed the Ministrys Netilla / ActivCard solution.

Netilla provided a clear solution to address the Dutch Ministrys requirements: to extend access to key business applications to Ministry employees and authorised contacts around the world with the simplicity of a Web browser, but with stringent security controls," said Bryan Bain, vice president of marketing and business development at Netilla Networks. Our collaboration with ActivCard employs strong two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorised users have access to this data."

Netillas support for ActivPack authentication is instrumental in enabling 'trust-based access to information," stated Ed MacBeth, senior vice president of worldwide channels and business alliances at ActivCard. The Dutch Ministrys deployment has affirmed that ActivCard perpetual license hardware tokens offer a clear benefit over costly leased tokens which expire."

About ActivCard
ActivCard, www.activcard.com, is a leading global provider of Secure Digital Identity and Authentication solutions for secure remote access, secure sign-on and digital ID card solutions. Our scalable systems and strong authentication solutions are trusted by organisations -- from enterprise to governments around the world. ActivCard IDM systems deliver maximum Return On Identity (ROI) through increased security, reduced cost, and user convenience. The modular product design allows our customers to add capabilities as required, preserving their investment.

About Netilla Networks
Netilla Networks, Inc., www.netilla.com, is a leading global provider of enterprise-class secure remote access solutions. The Netilla family of SSL VPN appliances gives organisations the power to make their mission-critical applications and resources instantly available to employees and trusted partners anywhere via standard Web browsers, while safeguarding internal networks. Compared to traditional VPN technologies, the Netilla Security Platform is a versatile, simple and quick-to-deploy solution that lowers the total cost of remote access security management. Netillas products are available through a worldwide network of value-added resellers.

About Kahuna
Kahuna supports organisations that wish to do business online via the Internet. Kahuna Network Solutions develops and manages the fast, secure, and 100% reliable infrastructure essential for online business. Kahuna is the market leader in the Netherlands in the field of managed security. Kahuna Business Solutions helps organisations with the management of e-mail traffic and web self-service client contacts via the Internet. Kahuna offers an extensive array of eCRM solutions, based mostly upon Kana products. Kahuna differentiates itself through the fact that it can also manage the delivered solutions for the client (outsourcing). The client doesn't just buy a complex technology but benefits from the application's functionalities. Some of Kahuna's clients include Airmiles, @Home, Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority), The City of Eindhoven, IB-Groep, KPN Callcenters, Ohra en Wehkamp. A recipient of the prestigious ICT Company Award for 2002 and Most Innovative Reseller Award For 2003, Kahuna is ranked #4 in the Deloitte & Touche Fast 50.

ActivCard is a registered trademark, and ActivPack and Return on Identity are trademarks of ActivCard in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the United States and/or other countries.
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CONTACTS

ActivCard Corporate
Julie White
Tel: +1 (510) 574 1708
jwhite@activcard.com

Consort PR - UK
Tony Bovill
+44 1344 626171
tony@consortpr.co.uk

Netilla Corporate
Ted Dupont
Tel: +1 (732) 652-5241
tdupont@netilla.com