Identive iAuthenticate Reader Extends Secure ID Card Authentication to Apple Mobile Devices

Identive Group, Inc. announced a new smart card reader for Apple mobile devices that allows iPad, iPhone and iMac users to authenticate themselves to secure networks, websites and payment systems using their smart chip-based IDs or credit cards. The initial version of the reader is targeted at the U.S. government and worldwide enterprise markets.

“Mobile computing devices are fun to use and allow people to be productive wherever they are. The popularity of the iPad in particular is creating a ‘bring your own device’ culture as employees seek to use their personal devices to accomplish work tasks both within and outside the office. This presents security problems for organizations that maintain strict policies around network access, as these employee-owned devices typically do not have a way to read and authenticate highly secure smart card-based employee IDs. Identive’s iAuthenticate reader addresses this problem by enabling authentication of corporate or federally-issued smart identification credentials using an Apple iPad, iPhone or iMac,” explained Louis Modell, vice president of Identive’s Identification Products division.

One of the world’s largest smart card-based ID programs is operated by the U.S. federal government. However, device mobility has been elusive for the more than five million federal workers who must present their Common Access Card (CAC) or Personal Identification Verification (PIV) credentials to securely authenticate their identities whenever they log on to the network. Identive’s new iAuthenticate reader allows employees and contractors of the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies to securely log in to federal websites and web-based accounts, access email and perform other secure collaboration activities without needing to carry a laptop or return to their offices.

To address the unique requirements of the U.S. government and other high-security organizations, Identive’s iAuthenticate reader includes the PKard for iOS CAC/PIV web/email app from Thursby Software Systems, a leading provider of smart card middleware and applications for Apple devices. Additionally, the reader complies with all relevant federal standards, including TAA, FIPS 140-2 and FIPS 201, and an application is in process for its inclusion on the U.S. General Services Administration’s Approved Product List.

“The iAuthenticate reader builds on the wealth of experience and technological know-how Identive has gained from delivering 20 million smart card readers and five million reader ICs to more than 400 PC customers in over 50 countries. Users of Apple iOS devices now can experience this same security, ease of use and cost performance on their mobile devices, from the leader in smart card reader technology,” concluded Dr. Manfred Mueller, executive vice president and COO Identification Products for Identive.