The WiKID Blog

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How are users provisioned? How is initial validation handled?

Posted by: root 13 years, 5 months ago

A big problem with hardware-based tokens and traditional soft-tokens is the need to get the token or data file to the end user securely and to associate it with the user on the server. Typically, there is a big box of tokens in a secure location, the security administrator grabs a token, enters the serial number into the user’s account on the server, and overnights the token to the user. The next day, he overnights a new PIN number for use with that token. Obviously, this process is an expensive waste of time for a highly paid security professional. WiKID Systems’ elegant architecture allows for a fully automated initial validation when our system is combined with a trusted network or existing trusted relationship.

First, the end-user installs the client on the device (over-the-air download or via the Internet installer) and logs into a web site, over a trusted LAN or using an existing hardware token or some other trusted mechanism. The web site provides the user with a 12-digit code that represents the IP address of the authentication server. The user selects ‘New Domain” to create a new trust relationship and enters the 12-digit number.

The WiKID client generates its own public/private key pair and sends a request to the server along with it’s public key. The server responds with a configuration file and its public key, encrypted with the client’s public key. Already, we have asymmetric encryption! The user enters his chosen PIN, which is stored on the server and the server responds with a registration code. The user enters the registration code into the web site and he is finished. If the administrator allows automated initial validation, the user can start generating valid passcodes and can throw away their token (or, more likely, they can return it for recycling to a non-WiKID user). An administrator can easily add a user manually as well.

Aren’t wireless networks and devices inherently insecure?

Posted by: root 13 years, 5 months ago

Yes. That is why we asymmetrically encrypt all the transmissions. Each communication between the device and server is atomic as well, increasing security.

Why did you release an open source version?

Posted by: root 13 years, 5 months ago

We want people to use our software.

We benefit from feedback from users whether they pay or not.

We want to partner, not just with proprietary software developers, but also open source projects and other 'dual source' companies.

We hope that evaluators will actually look at the code for weaknesses and help us make the product better. It ain't fixed until you've broken it.

We use open source software everyday and wanted to give something back.

Can WiKID work across multiple enterprises without federation?

Posted by: root 13 years, 5 months ago

Yes. Unlike most two-factor authentication systems, WiKID uses public key crypotgraphy instead of shared secrets. This means that a single WiKID token can support an unlimited number of relationships with WiKID servers without a reduction in security.

But we can't ask non-employees to run software on their PCs. What can we do about vendors?

Posted by: root 13 years, 5 months ago

We suggest you use USB tokens or wireless tokens.

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