http://www.commercemedia.net/news The latest news from Commerce Media English info@commercemedia.net Copyright 2010 Commerce Media 2010-06-01T12:40:27+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_launches_celo_tokens} {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_launches_celo_tokens}#When:12:40:27Z Commerce Media are delighted to add Celo tokens to their range of authentication soutions. These tokens are OATH compliant and can be used with any OATH compliant system. To purchase Celo tokens independently please contact the sales department for further information and pricing.  Information security provider Commerce Media has further enhanced its SC magazine highly commended two-factor authentication (2FA) solution with the introduction of tokens.  Commerce Media’s 2FA tool, Celo, was launched in 2008 to authenticate users accessing information remotely on either a web-based application or server.  Designed to deliver simplicity, cost-effectiveness and end-user convenience, Celo is now available with a token.  This means that as well as having the option to use mediums such as a mobile phone, email or instant messenger, Celo implementers can provide a one-time-password (OTP) via a dedicated device.   Michael Robertson, Managing Director of Commerce Media and creator of Celo, said: “As Celo’s central management approach facilitates multiple delivery methods of OTPs through a single administration interface, it allows the implementer to decide how the password will be communicated.  For example, an implementer may stipulate one channel that will be used for all OTPs, allow different groups to choose different mediums, or even provide individual users with the option to select the delivery method most relevant to them.  To support our aim to offer the widest possible choice to customers, and our understanding that tokens are especially valuable to users who are logging in and out frequently, we felt it was important to offer this additional hardware alternative.” To align with Celo’s promise to be cost-effective, the entire solution – software and hardware – is competitively priced.  Commerce Media believes it to be one of the most economical 2FA tools currently on the market.  Michael highlights, however, that this does not come at a cost of a less secure product.  He adds: “All our tokens are compliant with the Initiative of Open AuTHentication, OATH, and as Commerce Media is an ISO27001 accredited company, our technology adheres to the highest security standards.  Our ability to keep costs down derives from not trying to over complicate the solution. Celo has the capability to be installed with both RADIUS and the internet communication protocol SOAP simultaneously, can be ‘clustered’ to facilitate faster performance, and as i can be efficiently connected to multiple servers to retrieve different data sources, can support load balancing technology.    Michael concludes: “It is without doubt that 2FA will continue to grow in popularity.  Businesses across all sectors are identifying the benefits of implementing 2FA solutions to support remote working, form part of a disaster recovery and business continuity plan and secure the transfer of financial data on retail sites to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.  And it is not just the private sector. From a public sector perspective, 2FA assists in facilitating shared services and fulfils the secure log in requirement of the Government Connect Secure Extranet Code of Connection, enabling satellite branches, partners and employees to securely access central government systems.” Latest News 2010-06-01T12:40:27+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_wins_contract_extension_from_disposal_services_authority} {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_wins_contract_extension_from_disposal_services_authority}#When:09:18:55Z IT security solutions provider, Commerce Media, has had its contract to provide hosting, support, back office processing and development services for the Disposal Services Authority (DSA) website extended until 2011.  The award-winning site, www.edisposals.com, is used by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to sell surplus stock, ranging from army clothing to decommissioned Royal Navy ships.        As part of the extended contract, Commerce Media will be responsible for developing the site to:   Allow users to purchase goods online with added confidence, by giving them the option to authenticate themselves each time they log in to the site via Commerce Media's secure and robust two-factor authentication solution, Celo.  Currently, Celo is only used by verify pre-registered contractors before they can gain access to the site to list products for sale.   Create a separate, secure sales channel for the MoD to sell copies of paintings which are held in the MoD art collection online.   Feature a business listings directory for public sector organisations and private sector companies that are registered with the site to dispose of unwanted assets.       Commerce Media has been working with the DSA since 2003, when the company built the DSA website to exacting specifications.  It subsequently developed a critical security application for the site, Celo, to authenticate pre-authorised contractors.  Based on two-factor authentication techniques, Celo requests the contractor to input a password online.  This prompts the delivery of a unique password, sent by text message, to their mobile phone number which has been pre-registered with the site.  The SMS password, which is received within seconds by the contractor, is also entered online, allowing the contractor access to the website's secure pages.  This type of solution is referred to as two-factor authentication, because it relies on the user proving something they know - a password - plus something they have - in this case a pre-registered mobile phone.   The implementation of Celo has resulted in significant cost-savings and reduced admin levels for the DSA, while providing the highest levels of security and convenience for contractors.  It has also led the site to win an e-Government Excellence Award for Shared Services in 2009.  The e-Government National Awards offer the UK's highest level of praise for e-government and technology driven services which have improved citizen and business transactions within the public sector.     Celo has also won national applause as a standalone application.  It was a highly commended finalist in the Best SME Security Solution category at the 2009 SC Magazine Europe Awards.    Michael Robertson, Managing Director of Commerce Media, comments: "We have developed a close working relationship with the DSA over the years and are extremely proud of the award winning website that we have jointly delivered.  As part of our new agreement, we will be working on some significant and exciting advancements to the site, not least that purchasers, as well as contractors, will be able to benefit from secure two factor authentication at log in.  We are delighted to continue this work until 2011 and look forward to enabling the DSA to maximize its delivery of e-Government services."    Latest News 2009-07-03T09:18:55+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_highly_commended_at_sc_magazine_europe_2009_award} {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_highly_commended_at_sc_magazine_europe_2009_award}#When:10:32:22Z Celo, the two factor authentication (2FA) security solution from Commerce Media, was highly commended in the SC amgazine Europe annual awards. The technology had been shortlisted for the category of Best SME Security Solution. The SC Magazine Europe awards are widely considered to be the most prestigious awards in the information secuirty industry and stand out as a true benchmark of achievement. The award ceremony was held at the Hurling ham Club in London in April.Michael Robertson, Managing Director of Commerce Media, comments: " We were delighted to have been selected as a finalist in the award category of Best SME Security Solution, and to be highly commended was a real bonus. Celo stood because of its simplicity. The judges recognised that it is one of the most practical 2FA products available for securing systems and protecting sensitive data as it does not require extensive functionality that increases cost and complicates usage. It si very straightforward for users to operate.""We also recently won the e-Government Excellence award for Shared Services for our work with the Ministry of Defence. To now receive the industry's acknowledgement as a reputable security solutions provider is a great achievement for us." Latest News 2009-04-28T10:32:22+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/mobile_marketing_feature_added_to_e-commerce_security_tool} {title_permalink=site/news/article/mobile_marketing_feature_added_to_e-commerce_security_tool}#When:12:58:38Z A new feature that enables online retailers to send a promotional text message at the same time as a one-time password for secure access to e-commerce websites has been launched by Commerce Media. The feature is now available as a no-cost option with the company’s mobile-based online authentication and data protection product, Celo.Using the new marketing feature, e-retailers can now include a targeted multimedia or text-only message when customers request a security password. This could link to a special offer, competition, product announcement or download. It can also form part of a retailer’s loyalty programme or other mobile offering involving interactive services. Celo is a two-factor authentication* (2FA) solution built around a user’s own mobile phone. It delivers a single-use, randomly-generated password via SMS text message for customers to use when logging on to make a purchase or transfer sensitive/personal data. By providing an additional level of security over and above traditional – but easily overcome – systems based solely on a username and static password, it can help counter the increasing risk of online fraud such as phishing, trojans and man-in-the-middle attacks. Michael Robertson, Managing Director of Commerce Media, comments: “This is an innovative combination of effective security to combat payment fraud with the facility to reach consumers with relevant and timely marketing messages. The advantage of this new feature is that users receive a promotional text message at a time when they are not only expecting useful information from an e-retailer but are also in a position to act on it straight away – just before logging on to the retailer’s website.” Online security specialist Commerce Media launched Celo in 2008 as a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy method to secure e-commerce sites and the transfer of data. In addition, Celo is effective at protecting access to financial data held on back-office retail systems. In this way it can also help merchants comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Celo has been voted as a finalist in the SC Magazine Europe 2009 annual awards for Best SME Security Solution. Latest News 2009-04-03T12:58:38+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_is_voted_a_finalist_for_sc_magazine_europe_2009_award} {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_is_voted_a_finalist_for_sc_magazine_europe_2009_award}#When:13:04:32Z Celo, a two-factor authentication (2FA) security solution from Carlisle-based Commerce Media, has been voted a finalist in the SC Magazine Europe annual awards. The technology has been shortlisted for the category of Best SME Security Solution.The SC Magazine Europe awards are widely considered to be the most prestigious awards in the information security industry and stand out as a true benchmark of achievement. The winners of the awards will be announced on Tuesday, 28 April 2009 at the Hurlingham Club in London. Michael Robertson, Managing Director of Commerce Media, comments: "We are delighted to have been selected as a finalist in the award category of Best SME Security Solution. Celo has been shortlisted because of its simplicity. The judges recognised that it is one of the most practical 2FA products available for securing systems and protecting sensitive data as it does not require extensive functionality that increases cost and complicates usage. It is also very straightforward for users to operate. “We recently won the e-Government Excellence award for Shared Services for our work with the Ministry of Defence. To now receive the industry’s acknowledgment as a reputable security solutions provider is a great achievement for us.” Latest News 2009-02-12T13:04:32+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/achieving_coco_can_local_authorities_meet_the_deadline1} {title_permalink=site/news/article/achieving_coco_can_local_authorities_meet_the_deadline1}#When:13:39:48Z Deadline for local authorities to comply with the Government Connect Secure Extranet (GCSx) Code of Connection (CoCo) is fast approaching. Many authorities are working against the clock to make the necessary IT network changes to avoid losing online connection to the GCSx.Michael Robertson, Managing Director at information and application security company Commerce Media, says ‘no’. He believes that there are many solutions within the marketplace that can be quickly and easily deployed to enable councils to meet their targets. “One of the main reasons why so many councils are racing to meet these deadlines is the lack of information and secrecy surrounding the government’s requirements,” says Michael. “The impact of this has been twofold; vendors have not had the opportunity to promote their products in a way that clearly illustrates how they support CoCo, and this in turn has made it difficult for security managers at local authorities to identify which products will best meet their needs cost-effectively, while offering long-term flexibility.” As the security industry was unable to clearly educate the market, Michael acknowledges that this has resulted in the process becoming unnecessarily complex and a lot of time being wasted. One key element of CoCo is that users of a local authority system have secure remote access, which can be achieved by deploying a two-factor-authentication (2FA) solution. Michael states that this level of security is important, but can be simple to implement without carrying any heavy costs. He continues: “Data protection lies at the heart of this scheme, and councils are dealing with confidential information all the time. We are always hearing reports of portable devices being lost, stolen or forgotten and it is great that the government is taking action, particularly as an increasing number of individuals work remotely. Although achieving secure remote access can be complex in nature, 2FA systems which can meet this requirement need not be difficult or time-consuming to deploy. There are a number of vendors that offer simple, inexpensive, customisable products that can be set up and running within a matter of days – if not hours.” Michael concludes: “One such solution is Commerce Media’s Celo*, and we have recently begun working with councils across the UK, setting them up to become secure remote access CoCo compliant within a very short space of time. The key message is that it is not too late for authorities that have not yet even begun the process to achieve compliance to meet the CoCo deadline.” Latest News 2009-02-06T13:39:48+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/Ministry_Disposal_Website} {title_permalink=site/news/article/Ministry_Disposal_Website}#When:14:32:04Z A Ministry of Defence (MoD) website created by application development and information security company, Commerce Media, and used by the Disposal Services Authority (DSA) to sell surplus stock - ranging from socks to military vehicles – has won the e-Government Excellence Award for Shared Services. The award, which was received yesterday evening, acknowledges the effective service delivered by the site and its ability to offer efficient gains. The annual e-Government National Awards offers the UK’s highest level of praise for e-government and technology driven services which have improved citizen and business transactions within the public sector. The eleven winners across a host of categories such as increased usage and sustainability, received their awards from Tom Watson, Cabinet Office Minster responsible for transformational government, at a ceremony held in the Guildhall, London. Commerce Media has worked in partnership with the DSA and MoD for a number of years to build the award winning website to exacting specifications, advancing the portal over time to meet changing organisational and security requirements. Part of this process was to develop a two-factor authentication security application to verify pre-authorised contractors before they can access the site to list products for sale. Commerce Media’s Celo * was implemented which resulted in increased security and convenience for contractors, while also reducing DSA administration levels and costs. Michael Robertson, Managing Director at Commerce Media, comments: “We are delighted to be recognised for our work with the DSA. In addition to the site being effective and simple for users to understand, it has brought many efficiencies to the DSA which has enabled it to make significant cost-savings. Security of the site has been of upmost importance, and as malicious attacks become evermore sophisticated, Commerce Media has developed an on-going partnership with the DSA to ensure continual work and updates are made to the portal to enable it to remain safe from unwarranted intrusion.” Recent items listed for sale on http://www.edisposals.com include stereo headphones, an unused Life Guards red tunic, a Saxon armoured personnel carrier and a Gloster Meteor jet aircraft. Latest News 2009-01-21T14:32:04+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/Celo2_Launched} {title_permalink=site/news/article/Celo2_Launched}#When:14:21:10Z Following the successful launch earlier this year of Celo – a cost-effective two-factor authentication (2FA)* solution for securing online information – Carlisle-based Commerce Media has released an enhanced version which provides additional functionality..including the ability to authenticate individuals accessing non web-based systems, and customised delivery of the solution to meet unique user requirements. Celo v2.0 is now supplied with RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) server, enabling strong authentication in non web-based networks such as those used by remote workers. The capability to install both RADIUS and the internet communication protocol SOAP simultaneously, allows implementers of Celo to protect both online and offline systems. The enhanced 2FA solution also has the ability to be ‘clustered’ facilitating faster performance, and as it can be efficiently connected to multiple servers to retrieve different data sources, Celo v2.0 can also support load balancing technology. Alongside this functionality, Celo v2.0 aims to offer greater flexibility in how one-time-passwords (OTPs) are delivered at the authentication stage, and can now issue passwords by real-time communication protocol ‘XMPP’. Individual users can select their preferred delivery method independently from the rest of the user base depending on their situation at the time of accessing the network. For example, if no mobile signal is available a user can request their OTP via email. Time has also been spent on updating and revising the administration aspect of Celo v2.0 to assist in the creation of more advanced and user-friendly reporting documentation, and IT departments are now able to tailor what information is captured, for example log-in patterns, new users or track OTP delivery channels. This data can be produced in a familiar Excel format via ‘.csv’ files, allowing it to be integrated into other reports if required. Michael Robertson, Managing Director of Commerce Media, said: “We will continue to develop Celo in line with the increasing sophistication of online security threats, while also ensuring it is simple to implement and use. Our cost-effective 2FA solution accommodates up to 1 million unique users, and we identify that flexibility and convenience is key if organisations are to engage their audience, ensure adoption of the solution and benefit from securing information access. “To support the enhanced capability, the team has created an extensive installation library that offers instruction on how the technology can be integrated into an array of applications and existing IT infrastructures, and has reduced installation time to just 30 minutes. We believe that Celo v2.0 demonstrates that the benefits of 2FA can be enjoyed by both the public and private sector without complication or incurring excessive costs.” For further information or to demo Celo please visit Here for more information Latest News 2008-10-20T14:21:10+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_software_solution} {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_software_solution}#When:15:12:39Z A UK-based network of independent agricultural merchants, Downland Marketing Limited, has selected Commerce Media to design a bespoke software platform that will provide a secure and centralised online purchase order processing solution.The new system will improve Downland Marketing Limited’s competitive edge by facilitating up-to-the-minute communication of accurate price and product information between the organisation and its user base. Founded in 1979, Downland Marketing Limited brings independent agriculture distributors from across the UK together to collectively source the finest animal welfare products at the best prices. The new system delivered by information security solutions provider, Commerce Media, will enable the network to make online orders quickly and efficiently, reducing delivery processing times and paperwork. Sophie Bell, spokesperson from Downland Marketing Limited, comments: “We are committed to ensuring that our distributors have access to a wide range of products at competitive prices so that these cost savings can be passed on to the agricultural community. This latest enhancement to our system demonstrates our long-term pledge to deliver services online, which will ultimately improve efficiency, accessibility to our products and distributors, and facilitate further cost reductions.” Michael Robertson, Managing Director at Commerce Media, adds: “We are delighted to have been selected by Downland to deliver this solution. With distributors spread throughout the UK, the role of IT is vital to Dowland to ensure the entire network can access the required information. Downland therefore, appreciates the value of creating a strong online presence, and is protecting its users by investing now in sustainable and secure software technology that will facilitate its future growth ambitions.”   Latest News 2008-09-30T15:12:39+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_cost_effective} {title_permalink=site/news/article/commerce_media_cost_effective}#When:14:59:02Z Carlisle-based information security company Commerce Media has officially launched its two-factor authentication (2FA)* solution, Celo, which is suitable for any organisation wanting to secure online information or control access to internet applicationsThe software is one of the most cost effective 2FA products currently available as it can seamlessly integrate into existing IT infrastructures and, unlike many alternative offerings, no additional user hardware is required. As public and private sector organisations open up their networks to facilitate information exchanges across a wider range of stakeholders, they are exposed to an increasing number of sophisticated e-crimes, such as financial fraud and identity theft. As a result, a static username and password is no longer an adequate identifier to verify a user and, at the same time, fails to reassure users that they are communicating with an authentic website. Celo has been created to address such growing online threats, and meet the demand for more robust online security measures which are simple to implement and convenient to use. Celo is a strong and user friendly 2FA solution. During the standard login process to an internet application, such as a website or intranet, the user is automatically sent a one-time-password (OTP) to their mobile phone, PDA, email account, or even via instant message. When prompted by the web application, the OTP is entered by the user. The password is specific to that user and only valid for a set period after which it expires. With the combination of a static user name / password, and issue of a real-time OTP via an independent medium such as a mobile phone, both parties can verify their identity and be confident that the communication has not been corrupted. Michael Robertson, Managing Director of Commerce Media and creator of Celo, comments: “Celo is based on simplicity and scalability. A tool kit is provided to configure the system quickly, and once established can instantly be used to authenticate 1 or more than 100,000 users. The client decides the length and complexity of the password and its validation period, for example a few minutes, hours or days. Dispatching OTPs via text messaging or e-mail offers many key benefits including a reduced cost of implementation as no special devices need to be distributed to users, user familiarity with the technology, and, with the public’s general reliance on their mobile phones, the continual availability of this interface.” Although there is an obvious need for a high level of security when it comes to financial transactions, such as online banking and trading, Michael highlights that 2FA has become increasingly common across many sectors. He adds: “The move towards e-government, for example, aims to encourage UK citizens to communicate with various government departments online. With some recent high profile incidents where sensitive data has been lost by public sector departments or personnel, and the inevitability that increasingly confidential details will be shared online, identity theft has become a hot topic. Within government departments, local authorities and the private sector alike, implementing effective yet easy to use security for web applications and being seen to be doing so has never been more important.” Following an initial pilot of the technology, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has become the first user of Celo. Its Disposal Services Authority (DSA) - which sells surplus stock ranging from socks to military vehicles - has implemented the solution to verify pre-authorised contractors before they can access the site to list products for sale. Michael concludes: “As an information security provider, endorsement of our 2FA solution by the MoD is about as good as it gets. At Commerce Media we have always adhered to the strictest ISO security standards and the success of Celo to secure the DSA’s website is a fantastic testimony to our information security credentials.” For further information or to demo Celo please visit Here for more information   Latest News 2008-08-05T14:59:02+00:00 {title_permalink=site/news/article/MoD_Disposal_Website_Secured} {title_permalink=site/news/article/MoD_Disposal_Website_Secured}#When:14:02:17Z A website developed by application development and information security company, Commerce Media, and used by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to sell surplus stock - ranging from socks to military vehicles - is to be featured on the BBC TV programme ‘The One Show’ tonight (Thursday 17th July).The programme will be broadcast from 7pm on BBC1. A spokesperson for the Disposal Services Authority (DSA) will explain on the show how the government re-uses, recycles and ultimately disposes of items it no longer requires through http://www.edisposals.com, a website designed and secured by Commerce Media. The Carlisle-based company worked closely with the DSA and MoD to build the website to exacting specifications and to develop a critical security application that verifies pre-authorised contractors before they can access the site to list products for sale. The security application involves the user inputting their password online to prompt the delivery of a unique password, sent by text message, to their mobile phone number which has been pre-registered with the site. The SMS password, which is received within seconds by the user, is also entered online, allowing the user access to the website’s secure pages. This type of solution, referred to as two-factor authentication or ‘2FA’, relies on the user proving something they know – a password – plus something they have – in this case a pre-registered mobile phone. Commerce Media’s 2FA solution has resulted in significant cost-savings and reduced admin levels for the DSA while still providing the highest levels of security and more convenience for contractors. Previously, the website used a log-in system which involved a separate authentication token being distributed to all partners to use each time they wanted to access the site. The success of the authentication tool on the DSA website has led Commerce Media to make it commercially available, under the brand name Celo, as a standalone software package for securing web applications. Celo can be applied across sectors, such as retail, public sector and online gaming, to secure online information or applications where strict access requirements need to be enforced. Les Taylor, Director of Business Development & Information Systems at the DSA, who was interviewed by ‘The One Show’ comments: “As an executive authority of the UK Ministry of Defence, the security of the DSA’s internet-based system is of paramount importance. In addition to the normal security expected for internet-based systems, it was important that the solution would be both effective and easy to implement, and simple for users to understand and use. Various systems were considered and Celo delivers exactly that: a simple yet highly effective solution that gives us the confidence that our systems remain safe from unwarranted intrusion.” Michael Robertson, Managing Director at Commerce Media, added: “As an information security provider, endorsement of our two-factor authentication solution by the MoD is about as good as it gets. At Commerce Media we have always adhered to the strictest ISO security standards and the success of Celo to secure http://www.edisposals.com and the recognition of the site itself on The One Show is a fantastic testimony to our information security and website development credentials.” Recent items listed for sale on http://www.edisposals.com include stereo headphones, an unused Life Guards red tunic, a Saxon armoured personnel carrier and a Gloster Meteor jet aircraft. Latest News 2008-06-17T14:02:17+00:00