This cybersecurity solution will keep the bad guys away from your personal information.
With each week seemingly bringing news of another data breach, it’s no wonder a vast majority of people are gripped by anxiety. Fortunately, one Clearwater, Florida startup has developed a new way to put that uneasiness to rest, by ensuring that their most sensitive information is protected from malicious hacking, phishing, snooping, mining and any other form of cyber crimes. Vir-Sec’s solution? The aptly named SecureAxcess.
The company has created and patented what they are billing as “the world’s first, and only, method of secure communication.” Designed with speed and simplicity in mind, a user plugs the flash drive-like token into the USB port of any computer, enters their password and launches a “browser-less” platform called SecureCommunique — a closed messaging, file transfer and chat application that operates inside of SecureAxcess. This limited distribution tool enables users to send emails and documents, as well as engage in other forms of communication in a secure environment, without the threat of intruders. What’s more, the individual’s data and login page cannot be accessed by anyone other than them, and their token.
“It has the look and feel of a browser, but it’s not one! Browsers are bad for accessing secure data. Most major vulnerabilities and methods of attack come from browsers. Eliminating the browser eliminates that threat,” its creator Chris Murphy explains. “The IP address is constantly shifting and is unique to your token so hackers can’t find where to try and break in. It’s like your front door keeps moving around and you can only find it if you have the correct key.”
SecureAxcess also promises true two-factor authentication, requiring both something physical (their token) and something a user knows (their password) in order to access the confidential data.
“When you physically go to the bank, do you just give a name and password to withdraw cash? Of course not, but then why have we allowed it to be so online? Our token acts like you online, physically showing you are who you say while accessing important data,” Murphy adds.
Another nice feature is that the program runs entirely from RAM on the token itself, not the computer. Reason being, hackers can compromise browsers and other installed software quite easily. As for its hardware, the pocket-sized device is based on an Atmel | SMART SAMA5 Cortex-A5 MPU and boasts built-in cryptographic security (AES).
“The best way to secure data is to allow authentication to happen at a secure, off-site location, free from software and browsers. Also you can’t open the token and access the parts. The token is a solid fused piece of plastic that cannot be opened without destroying the data.”
Looking for a peace of mind when it comes to safeguarding your online information? Head over to SecureAxcess’ official Kickstarter page, where Vir-Sec is currently seeking $250,000.
Atmel | Bits & Pieces 