Credit union serves up secure solution; password technology system provides members with authenticated, 24/7 network access - Network Security - State

More than 73,000 members. $530 million in assets. A fast-growing dial-in network where remote users can gain 24/7 access. A potential security nightmare.

That was the challenge facing the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) in Lansing, Mich., which, since its charter in 1952, has grown to become one of the leading credit unions in Michigan and the United States. With its burgeoning network, however, Mark Davis, SECU assistant vice president of data center operations, understood the dangers of unauthorized access, and wanted to be able to identify each individual user attempting to log on to the system.

"As far as remote dial-in, we were getting to the point where our network was too exposed and anybody would be able to get in," says Davis. "I realized that greater security would be needed as we basically just had someone dialing into a router to use NT security."

SECU underwent an exhaustive search to identify a cost-effective method to provide high-level security for its dial-in network.