VPN management now supports two-factor authentication

Nuremberg, February 4, 2020 - The NCP Secure Enterprise Management Server (SEM) is the central component of the NCP Next Generation Network Access Technology, serving as a single point of administration. Using this technology, companies can manage their remote access network conveniently from a central location and do not have to deal with a multitude of isolated applications. In the new version 5.30, administrators and users benefit from the new NCP Authenticator App for generating Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP), a web interface and a configuration tool for Linux.

The new NCP Authenticator App is available for mobile devices as a free download in the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. With the NCP Secure Enterprise Management Server, a Time-based One-time Password (generated with NCP Authenticator App) can be used as an alternative to NCP Advanced Authentication (via SMS) as a second factor. A temporary one-time password is generated via the time-based one-time password algorithm. This procedure ensures an increased level of IT security using two-factor authentication. A software token such as the new NCP Authenticator is required to generate the one-time password using the TOTP procedure. The NCP Authenticator generates the passcodes directly on the smartphone without the need for an Internet connection. For additional security, QR Codes generated by NCP management can force biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) to start the NCP Authenticator.

In the NCP Secure Enterprise Management Server 5.30, the two-factor authentication is provided through a web interface. This web interface enables users to add a VPN account in their smartphone app for two-factor authentication when establishing a VPN tunnel. The necessary information can be imported via a QR code or by clicking on a link in the smartphone's web browser on iOS or Android (the latter if the web interface is accessed directly from the smartphone).

From version 5.30, a text-based configuration tool is available under Linux, which facilitates the commissioning of the NCP Secure Enterprise Management Server after installation. It allows the configuration of database connections, starting and stopping services and configuring the operation mode.

In addition, the MariaDB Connector is included in the scope of delivery to facilitate the configuration of the database connection of the NCP management.

NCP Secure Enterprise Management consists of a management server and a management console with a graphical user interface. The management server is used for configuring and managing all NCP components connected to it. This applies to both the NCP Secure Enterprise Clients for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux as well as the NCP Secure Enterprise VPN Servers. The rollout of a large number of users or a software update can be realized within a very short time.

The Endpoint Security/Network Access Control Plug-in checks all security-relevant parameters of the end devices before accessing the company network. This may include checking the status of virus scanners, service information, certificate contents or software versions. Compliance with the security policy is mandatory and cannot be manipulated by the user. If the security requirements are not met, users are directed to a quarantine zone, if configured.

 

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