World’s First Fingerprint Security Key to Support Both Windows Hello and Fast IDentity Online Universal Second Factor Authentication to Protect Against Unauthorized Access on Compromised Devices
Kensington®, a worldwide leader of desktop computing and mobility solutions for IT, business and home office professionals and The Professionals’ Choice, announced today the general availability of the Kensington VeriMark™ Fingerprint Key, engineered to provide simple, best-in-class biometric authentication for incomparable protection against cyber-thieves. The key protects against unauthorized access on compromised devices and is the world’s first fingerprint security key to support both Windows Hello and Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) universal second factor authentication (U2F). Kensington has published a related article on its website today, titled Biometric Authentication: Two Factor and Multi Factor Authentication for Individuals, Businesses, and Windows Hello Users.
A stolen laptop is not only expensive to replace, but can lead to a data breach that exposes private/confidential data – leaving a company vulnerable to litigation, compliance violations and damage to the company’s reputation. Global cyber attacks are projected to cost companies $2.1 trillion annually by 2019. In today’s world, hacking tactics are highly effective, and usernames and passwords no longer provide enough protection.
Biometric authentication has become the de facto standard for high performance security, enabling users to secure their laptops with fingerprint sensing. Second factor authentication, or U2F, delivers an even higher level of security with an open authentication standard that enables internet users to securely access any number of online services, with one single device, instantly and with no drivers, or client software needed.
The first of its kind anywhere in the world, the Kensington VeriMark Fingerprint Key combines superior biometric performance and 360-degree readability with anti-spoofing technology and fingerprint activated collaboration capabilities. Designed to meet Windows Hello security requirements, the key allows users without a fingerprint sensor in their computers to enjoy the benefits of faster, more secure login that Windows Hello affords. And businesses whose employee computers do not have biometric authentication capabilities, can easily deploy the fingerprint key without having to replace an entire fleet of laptops.
“With Windows Hello, businesses now have enterprise-grade security that is also easy to use,” said Pavan Li, Sr. Product Manager of Windows Consumer Marketing. “Third party solutions such as Kensington’s VeriMark Fingerprint Key are ideal for companies that have not deployed laptops with built-in biometric capabilities, allowing them to enjoy the advantages of Windows Hello across the organization.”
“The risks associated with losing valuable as well as confidential data increases the importance of protecting individual laptops from theft, particularly for those in specific industries such as healthcare, financial and legal services where confidentiality is critical,” said Ada Yang, Senior Global Product Manager, Kensington. “Innovation, quality and trust have made Kensington the standard in device security for more than 25 years, and we are pleased to expand this expertise to data security with the availability of the VeriMark Fingerprint Key. The key, which integrates the smallest size touch sensor available in a compact design, protects against unauthorized access on compromised devices while offering best-in-class cyber security for today’s cloud-based world.”
Notes to editors
About Kensington
Kensington is a leading provider of desktop and mobile device accessories, trusted by IT, educators, business and home office professionals around the world for more than 35 years. Kensington products empower people to dynamically interact with content, creating a better working experience for productive performance. In both office and mobile environments, Kensington’s extensive portfolio of award-winning products provides trusted security, desktop productivity innovations, and ergonomic well-being. Our core competencies in engineering, industrial design, product quality and responsive customer support make Kensington The Professionals’ Choice™.
Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Kensington operates as the technology division of ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded business, academic and consumer products, sold in more than 100 countries across the globe.
Kensington is the inventor and worldwide leader in laptop security locks, the acknowledged leader of Trackball innovation and offers a broad range of premium-branded desktop productivity solutions.