RSA Security Announces Support for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2

BEDFORD, Mass., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- RSA Security Inc. (Nasdaq: RSAS) today announced the company is working with Microsoft Corp. to deliver strong, two-factor authentication support for the Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) with Advanced Security Technologies. The RSA SecurID for Microsoft Windows solution is designed to help Microsoft enterprise customers ensure that valuable desktop and network resources are accessible only by authorized users, while simultaneously delivering a simplified and consistent user login experience.

Windows XP operating system is the new standard for efficient, dependable computing. Windows XP SP2 with Advanced Security Technologies brings Windows XP users the latest security updates and innovations from Microsoft and its partners such as RSA Security. It establishes stronger default security settings and automatically installs strong new security features that will help better protect computers from hackers, viruses and other security risks. Service Pack 2 also contains support for new technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with improved hardware and driver support to create a more productive, hassle-free computing experience.

"We are thrilled to be working with Microsoft to promote enhanced security for the Windows XP platform while simultaneously delivering easier authentication processes for end users," said Jason Lewis, vice president of product management and marketing at RSA Security. "The RSA SecurID for Microsoft Windows solution gives enterprise customers a smart, simple alternative to static passwords to help prevent potentially expensive and damaging security breaches that can occur both inside and outside the firewall."

The RSA SecurID for Microsoft Windows solution is a primary component of RSA Security's Secure Enterprise Access solutions that are designed to help erase enterprise barriers and boundaries, allowing employees, partners and customers to collaborate and communicate more freely and securely. By combining something the user knows (i.e., a secret PIN) with something the user possesses (i.e., a unique RSA SecurID token which generates a random, one-time password every 60 seconds), Windows XP enterprise customers will have an effective, easy way to secure user access to sensitive company information. The RSA SecurID for Microsoft Windows solution is designed to provide significantly greater security than static passwords -- without requiring any additional hardware on the desktop."

Microsoft is pleased that RSA Security will support Windows XP SP2, which offers customers an at-a-glance view of their PC's security status," said Neil Charney, director, Windows Client Product Management at Microsoft Corp. "The work Microsoft is doing with RSA Security is an important step in making it easier and more intuitive for customers to manage their PC's security settings."

Availability: RSA Security, having recently completed a successful beta program, expects that the RSA SecurID for Microsoft Windows solution will be commercially available in September of 2004, with support for Windows XP SP2 scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2004. The solution will be sold directly from RSA Security and through its network of distribution partners. For more details, please visit http://www.rsasecurity.com/go/windows/