Yubico and CloudPassage Bring Easy and Secure Two-Factor Authentication to Cloud Servers

PALO ALTO, Calif. and STOCKHOLM, Feb. 2, 2012 – Yubico, the leading provider of simple, open online identity protection, today announced a partnership with CloudPassage designed to deliver strong, secure authentication and protection of administrative network access in the cloud.

CloudPassage, the leading cloud server security provider, required a strong two-factor authentication mechanism for the CloudPassage Halo platform to protect access to servers in public clouds. Halo users needed a fast, effective, and reliable solution that could be deployed as quickly as Halo itself. After evaluating other authentication solutions, the company chose the YubiKey®, Yubico’s unique one-time password (OTP) USB key, as the centerpiece of the Halo GhostPorts two-factor authentication solution.

CloudPassage selected the YubiKey authentication solution for its robust design without a battery and its ease of management. The USB key is a key component of Halo GhostPorts, a security feature that enables GhostPorts users to protect remote access to cloud servers with powerful, dynamic network access control using two-factor authentication.

GhostPorts allows systems administrators to temporarily open up a server management port for a designated adminstrator with the Yubikey to provide very tight access control. With GhostPorts, users can gain authorized access to their cloud servers from anywhere, easily and securely. Together with the YubiKey, customers are protected with two-factor authentication that is easy to manage, while keeping their servers secure in dynamic cloud environments.

“Security is a paramount concern for companies making the move to the cloud, and it’s our job to give our customers confidence that their servers are protected,” said Rand Wacker, vice president of product management for CloudPassage. “Through our partnership with Yubico, we’re enforcing cloud server access control with two lines of authentication without sacrificing the flexibility and ease-of-use they require and expect of the cloud.”

Manufactured in Sweden, the YubiKey is a hardware authentication token that looks like a small USB memory stick. The USB token simplifies the process of logging in with a OTP and can be used by cloud services, organizations and end users that require secure access for IT applications, including e-mail, VPN, Windows login, disc encryption and Web single sign-on. The YubiKey is practically indestructible and fits easily on a keychain. It works on all computers and platforms without the need for installing client software.

“Yubico is pleased to be selected as the two-factor authentication technology for securing innovative and thriving cloud services such as Halo GhostPorts from CloudPassage,”  said Stina Ehrensvard, CEO and Founder of Yubico.

For more information, please visit yubico.com and cloudpassage.com.