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Features
Security
11/29/2005
With this in mind, imagine a network that grants access to certain systems based upon who a particular user is; a network that requires users to sign in only once, and remembers who they are for the remainder of their session. Think of a network that d'esn't require passwords at all; a network that ties all access to a USB key or the biometric codes of a human fingerprint. Then, envision a network combining all of these characteristics; so sophisticated it operates seamlessly with networks at other schools, and allows users access to similar systems elsewhere in the academic world.' An example of trailblazing identity management is Temple University (PA): 'Today, all of the school's identity management is tied together under one solution: Sun Java from Sun Microsystems. When users register on the system, they are provisioned for systems of every sensitivity level. If a user is expected to perform nothing on the campus network but e-mail and other basic functions, all that he needs to access the system is his password. If a user is expected to access more sensitive systems, he is given additional authenticating factors, such as the USB token or access to a biometric reader. Under this approach, a user's identity never needs to be re-provisioned; the more access a user needs, however, the more he must prove that he is who he says he is.' Less is more, when it comes to passwords... so how about just one thumbprint? 'Last year, Digital Persona provided [San Francisco State University] with U.are.U optical fingerprint scanners that plug into USB ports and capture a 500 dpi image of a user's fingerprint, encrypt it, send it to the Digital Persona IDentity Engine server, and compare the data with fingerprint information already stored in a database. If the system determines a match, it grants the user access to any variety of systems based upon parameters in the user's file. If the system fails to find a pairing, it denies access and offers the user only the most basic of services, which generally consists of nothing but simple Web browsing.' And at the University of Alaska, P-Synch, from M-Tech Information Technology, enables individual users to synchronize their passwords across different, multiple applications. Read moreIf you think provisioning is a hassle, consider de-provisioning
At Western Michigan University, Director of Planning and Middleware Services Greg Lozeau observed: 'Provisioning student e-mail systems, especially with the number of different systems we had on campus, was challenging, but de-provisioning the students was painful. Sun's Java Messaging Server, coupled with the power of Sun Identity Manager, offered a better approach.' WMU's identity management case study, available via Sun's Web site, offers insight on the sticky de-provisioning problem. Read more (pdf)
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