Soliton Systems Enhances SmartOn ID for Modern Workstyles with New Features

Introduction

As remote work and flexible working arrangements become the norm, the challenges around security when using PCs are becoming more prominent. Addressing these concerns, Soliton Systems is set to release a new version of its PC authentication software, SmartOn ID, on June 4, 2025. This upgraded version includes enhanced features designed to secure user authentication in a variety of work environments.

Enhanced Security Features

The new version of SmartOn ID is equipped with advanced functions to combat emerging security threats. With the rise of telecommuting and the adoption of hot desking, the risk of shoulder surfing and impersonation has become a serious issue. Here are the key features of the new release:

1. Shoulder Surfing Detection

Using built-in or external webcams, SmartOn ID frequently monitors for unauthorized individuals attempting to view the screen over a user’s shoulder. If more than one face is detected behind the user, the system will either sound an alarm or automatically lock the session to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Shoulder Surfing Detection Example

2. Impersonation Detection

To effectively combat impersonation attempts that use images or videos to simulate legitimate users, SmartOn ID incorporates advanced facial recognition technology certified by a third-party evaluation agency, FIME. This ensures that attempts to breach security via copied visuals are promptly thwarted, enhancing safety in diverse working styles such as telecommuting.

Impersonation Detection Example

Application Authentication: Identifying Users on Shared Terminals

In institutions like hospitals and municipalities where multiple users access the same PC, distinguishing individual users can be challenging. Common login IDs often lead to security vulnerabilities. The addition of the application authentication feature in SmartOn ID addresses this issue by allowing the system to verify user identity based on specific applications while maintaining a logged-in state. This means that different users can be identified and controlled at the application level, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Additionally, the system records which users accessed which applications and when, aiding in compliance audits.

Application Authentication Example

3. Other Enhancements

Beyond these primary features, multiple enhancements have also been implemented:

- Strengthening QR Code and Facial Recognition Linkage: Integration of QR code authentication with facial motion verification has increased resistance to static image-based impersonation.
- Simplification of Authentication Messages: The system now provides simplified messages in response to authentication failures, preventing potential risk identification of what caused the failure, thus thwarting guessing attacks and aiding compliance with security standards like PCI DSS.

Future Directions

Soliton Systems is committed to continuously evolving its security solutions, including SmartOn ID, to meet customer needs and adapt to changes in societal environments. With cyber attacks becoming ever more sophisticated, the firm is dedicated to deploying advanced technologies to address new security challenges that arise from evolving work practices, contributing to the protection of customer information assets.

About SmartOn ID

SmartOn ID has been recognized as the leading PC login authentication system in Japan for 21 consecutive years, partnering with Microsoft Entra ID and Active Directory to offer multi-factor authentication methods such as facial recognition and IC card-based verification for logging into Windows.
(More info on SmartOn ID)

About Soliton Systems

Founded in 1979, Soliton Systems has been at the forefront of technological advancement in IT and electronics, consistently pioneering many market-first innovations. The company focuses on IT security solutions, encompassing everything from user authentication to cyber defense. As a domestic manufacturer, Soliton prides itself on delivering products and services rooted in original creation and innovation. With projected consolidated sales of 18.6 billion yen for the fiscal year ending December 2024, and listed on the Tokyo Prime market, Soliton continues to strive for excellence.
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