RSA SecurID

Basic Information

RSA SecurID is a comprehensive multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution designed to secure access to network resources, applications, and data. It employs a combination of "something you know" (a PIN or password) and "something you have" (a hardware or software token) to verify user identity.

• Model: The RSA SecurID ecosystem includes various components:
  • Hardware Tokens: Models such as SID700 (key fob), SID800 (key fob with USB and smart card functionality), SID200, SID520 (PINpad), and SID900 (with transaction signing).
  • Software Tokens: Desktop applications for Windows and macOS, and mobile applications for Android and iOS.
  • Core System: RSA Authentication Manager (server-side software) and RSA Cloud Authentication Service (CAS).
• Version:
  • RSA Authentication Manager: Latest stable version is 8.8, released in April 2025.
  • RSA SecurID Authenticator for Windows: Latest stable version is 6.0.1, released in June 2022.
  • RSA SecurID Authenticator for Mobile: Version 4.x for Android and iOS.
• Release Date: The original RSA SecurID mechanism was released in 1993. Specific component versions have more recent release dates (e.g., Authenticator 6.0.1 for Windows in June 2022, Authentication Manager 8.8 in April 2025).
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Hardware Tokens: Standalone devices with no specific OS/RAM/CPU requirements.
  • Software Tokens (Windows): Windows 10 version 1709 or higher for soft token installation. Authenticator 6.0.1 supports Windows 10 (various x64bit versions from 1903 to 21H2), Windows 11 21H2 x64bit, and Windows Server 2022.
  • Software Tokens (macOS): macOS BigSur 11.0 or later.
  • Software Tokens (Mobile): Android 9.0 or later, iOS 14.0 or later.
  • RSA Authentication Manager (Virtual Appliance): Requires a virtualized environment on VMWare or Microsoft Hyper-V, running SUSE Linux (currently v15/SP3).
  • RSA Authentication Manager (Web Tier): Supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.0 Server (64-bit) and Windows Server 2025 (for AM 8.8 Patch 1).
• Latest Stable Version: RSA Authentication Manager 8.8 (April 2025); RSA SecurID Authenticator 6.0.1 for Windows (June 2022).
• End of Support Date: RSA Authentication Manager 8.7 has End of Primary Support (EOPS) dates ranging from May 2025 to January 2027, with extended support options available. A mandatory upgrade is required by October 6, 2025, for components using Entrust certificates to prevent service disruption.
• End of Life Date: Not a single EOL date for the entire product line. Hardware tokens typically have a hard-coded expiration date, often three years.
• License Type: Flexible pricing based on deployment options and user licenses. RSA SecurID Access offers Base, Enterprise, and Premium license tiers.
• Deployment Model: On-premises (using RSA Authentication Manager and hardware appliances), cloud (via Cloud Authentication Service), and hybrid deployments are supported.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for RSA SecurID vary significantly depending on the specific component being deployed (hardware token, software token, or server-side Authentication Manager).

• RAM:
  • Software Tokens: Minimal, typically aligning with the host operating system's standard requirements.
  • Authentication Manager: Server-grade RAM is required for the virtual appliance or dedicated server installations, scaled according to user load and deployment size.
• Processor:
  • Software Tokens: Utilizes the host device's processor, with minimal impact on performance.
  • Authentication Manager: Server-grade processors are necessary for the virtual appliance or dedicated server, scaled for enterprise performance and user capacity.
• Storage:
  • Software Tokens: Requires minimal storage space for application installation.
  • Authentication Manager: Server-grade storage is needed for the virtual appliance, including space for the operating system, application, and user/token databases. Redundant disks are available for high availability appliances.
• Display:
  • Hardware Tokens: Features a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) to show one-time passcodes.
  • Software Tokens: Utilizes the display of the host computer or mobile device.
• Ports:
  • Hardware Tokens: The SID800 model includes a built-in USB connector for smart card functionality and automatic token code entry.
  • Authentication Manager: Standard network ports for communication with authentication agents and external systems.
• Operating System:
  • Client-side (Software Tokens): Windows 10/11, Windows Server 2022, macOS BigSur+, Android 9.0+, iOS 14.0+.
  • Server-side (Authentication Manager): Virtual appliance based on SUSE Linux (v15/SP3) on VMWare or Microsoft Hyper-V. Web Tier supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.0 Server and Windows Server 2025.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

RSA SecurID's technical requirements are highly distributed, reflecting its role as an enterprise-grade authentication solution. Client-side components (software tokens) are lightweight applications, leveraging the resources of end-user devices. The core server-side component, RSA Authentication Manager, demands robust server infrastructure, often deployed as a virtual appliance, to handle authentication requests, manage user identities, and ensure high availability. The system is designed for scalability, allowing organizations to expand their authentication capabilities without significant architectural overhauls. The support for various operating systems on both client and server sides ensures broad applicability across diverse IT environments.

Support & Compatibility

RSA SecurID offers extensive support and compatibility, integrating into a wide range of enterprise environments and applications.

• Latest Version: RSA Authentication Manager 8.8 (April 2025) and RSA SecurID Authenticator 6.0.1 for Windows (June 2022) represent the most current stable releases.
• OS Support:
  • Client-side: Supports major desktop operating systems including Windows 10 (various versions), Windows 11, and macOS BigSur and later. Mobile support extends to Android 9.0+ and iOS 14.0+.
  • Server-side: The virtual appliance for RSA Authentication Manager runs on SUSE Linux (v15/SP3) and is compatible with VMWare and Microsoft Hyper-V. The Web Tier of Authentication Manager 8.8 Patch 1 supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.0 Server and Windows Server 2025. Authentication Agents for PAM 8.1 support Solaris SPARC 10.
• End of Support Date: End of Primary Support (EOPS) for RSA Authentication Manager 8.7 versions ranges from May 2025 to January 2027, with extended support options available. A critical mandatory upgrade is required by October 6, 2025, for components relying on Entrust certificates.
• Localization: While not explicitly detailed in the provided data, as a global enterprise product, RSA SecurID is expected to offer multi-language support and localization options.
• Available Drivers: For hardware tokens with advanced features like the SID800 (USB smart card functionality), necessary drivers are typically integrated or provided by RSA. Software tokens are applications that do not require separate drivers.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

RSA SecurID maintains a robust support and compatibility status, crucial for its enterprise adoption. It integrates with over 500 certified solutions and supports thousands more through open standards, including VPNs, remote access, wireless networks, web applications, and cloud services like Microsoft 365, AWS, and Google Workspace. This broad interoperability ensures it can function effectively across diverse and complex IT ecosystems. Regular updates and a defined EOPS policy help organizations plan their upgrade cycles. The availability of both hardware and software authenticators, coupled with extensive OS support, provides flexibility for users and administrators. However, organizations must remain vigilant about EOPS dates and mandatory upgrades to maintain security and functionality.

Security Status

RSA SecurID is a cornerstone of enterprise security, built on strong authentication principles, but like any security solution, it has specific considerations.

• Security Features:
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Combines "something you know" (PIN/password) with "something you have" (hardware/software token) to generate unique, time-based one-time passwords (OTPs), typically changing every 60 seconds.
  • Risk-Based Authentication (RBA): Leverages machine-learning behavioral analytics, business context, and threat intelligence to assess risk in real-time and apply appropriate authentication policies.
  • Encryption Support: Utilizes public-key encryption and prime factorization algorithms to deter brute-force attacks. RSA Authentication Manager 8.8 supports TLS v1.3 for secure communications.
  • Hardware Token Design: Physical tokens are designed to be tamper-resistant.
  • Offline Authentication: Supports authentication even when not connected to the network, using tokencodes generated by the Authenticate app.
• Known Vulnerabilities:
  • 2011 Breach: RSA suffered a security breach in 2011 where internal seeds used to verify hardware devices were stolen, leading to attacks on some customers.
  • Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) and Man-in-the-Browser (MitB) Attacks: RSA SecurID alone does not inherently protect against these attacks; additional encryption/authentication mechanisms like SSL are recommended.
  • Physical Token Loss/Theft: If a physical token is lost or stolen and the user's PIN is also compromised, unauthorized access is possible. Risk-based analytics can mitigate this.
  • Predictable Random Number Generation: A theoretical vulnerability exists if an attacker could predict the next number in the token's sequence.
  • Social Engineering/Phishing: Users can be tricked into entering credentials on fake websites.
• Blacklist Status: No current blacklist status is indicated. Despite the 2011 breach, RSA SecurID remains a widely adopted and trusted solution.
• Certifications: Hardware tokens are compliant with ISO 13491-1 and ISO DIS 13491-2 Annex A, Section A.2.1.2, Statement A1, A2, A4. They also hold UL and FCC certifications.
• Authentication Methods: Supports a broad range including hardware tokens, software tokens (desktop/mobile), on-demand tokens (SMS/email), push notifications, biometrics (Touch ID, Face ID, fingerprint), FIDO, and passwordless options.
• General Recommendations: Users should keep their SecurID tokens secure, avoid sharing them, change PINs regularly, and report lost tokens immediately. Implementing additional security layers like SSL/TLS and leveraging risk-based analytics are crucial for comprehensive protection.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

RSA SecurID provides a high level of security through its robust multi-factor authentication framework. Its core strength lies in combining "something you know" with "something you have," making it significantly more secure than password-only authentication. The continuous evolution of the product, including the integration of risk-based authentication and a wide array of modern authentication methods, demonstrates RSA's commitment to addressing contemporary threats. While historical vulnerabilities and inherent limitations against certain advanced attacks (like MitM without additional controls) exist, RSA SecurID remains a highly effective and trusted solution for protecting sensitive enterprise resources when implemented with best practices and layered security. Its certifications and tamper-resistant designs for hardware tokens further bolster its security posture.

Performance & Benchmarks

RSA SecurID is engineered for enterprise-scale performance and high availability, focusing on efficient and reliable authentication across large user bases.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, publicly available numerical benchmark scores are not detailed in the provided information.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Scalability: The solution is highly scalable, capable of authenticating large numbers of users and supporting thousands of users efficiently.
  • High Availability: RSA SecurID Appliances support High Availability (HA) deployments with features like dual power and redundant disks. RSA Authentication Manager can deploy up to 15 replica instances to improve performance and resilience across large Wide Area Networks (WANs).
  • User Onboarding: Authentication Manager Bulk Administrator (AMBA) capabilities enable rapid onboarding of thousands of users, significantly reducing administrative time and operational costs.
  • Deployment Speed: Appliances can be set up and running in as few as 30 minutes.
  • Reliability: Users report reliable and consistent performance with minimal downtime.
• Power Consumption: Hardware tokens, such as the SID700 and SID800, are powered by 3v Lithium coin cell batteries. Power consumption for software components is dependent on the host device.
• Carbon Footprint: Information regarding the carbon footprint of RSA SecurID components is not explicitly provided.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: RSA SecurID is ranked #4 among top Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solutions and #9 among top Authentication Systems by PeerSpot users, with an average rating of 7.8 out of 10. It is often compared to solutions like Microsoft Entra ID, YubiKey, and Duo.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

RSA SecurID demonstrates strong performance capabilities tailored for demanding enterprise environments. Its architecture, featuring a scalable Authentication Manager with support for multiple replicas and bulk administration tools, ensures efficient processing of authentication requests for vast user populations. The focus on high availability and resilience, through redundant hardware options and distributed server deployments, guarantees continuous service. While specific benchmark numbers are not readily available, the design principles and positive user feedback regarding scalability and reliability underscore its robust performance status. The system is optimized to handle the authentication needs of large organizations, providing a consistent and responsive user experience.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for RSA SecurID generally highlight its effectiveness in enhancing security, though some areas for improvement are noted.

• Strengths:
  • Robust Security: Widely praised for its strong multi-factor authentication, significantly reducing unauthorized access risks.
  • Ease of Use (End-Users): End-users find the process of entering a PIN and token code straightforward.
  • Scalability: Highly regarded for its ability to scale to large user bases and integrate across various applications and systems.
  • Integration Capabilities: Offers broad integration with diverse applications, services, and VPN solutions.
  • Reliability: Users report consistent performance and minimal downtime.
  • Hardware Token Durability: Physical tokens like the SID700 are noted for their ruggedness and resistance to damage.
• Weaknesses:
  • Cost: Often cited as expensive, particularly for smaller organizations, though many users perceive value in its robust features.
  • Complexity of Setup/Management: Initial setup and configuration, especially for advanced features or large deployments, can be complex and time-consuming, requiring technical expertise.
  • Token Management: Managing a large number of hardware tokens can be cumbersome for administrators.
  • Synchronization Issues: Some users report occasional synchronization problems with tokens.
  • Support Quality: Some feedback indicates that support can be lacking.
  • Mobile App Experience: Changes in mobile app naming and icons have caused confusion for users.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Securing remote access to corporate networks and VPNs.
  • Enhancing user authentication for critical applications and resources.
  • Protecting privileged accounts and administrator access.
  • Extending MFA to cloud-based applications and services (e.g., Microsoft 365, AWS, Google Workspace).
  • Implementing identity federation.

Summary

RSA SecurID stands as a mature and robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution, widely adopted across enterprises for its ability to significantly enhance digital security. Its core strength lies in combining "something you know" (PIN/password) with "something you have" (hardware or software token), generating dynamic one-time passcodes that change frequently. The system is highly scalable, designed to support large user populations and complex IT infrastructures, with features like RSA Authentication Manager's replica support and bulk administration tools ensuring efficient operation and high availability.

Key strengths include its comprehensive range of authentication options, from traditional hardware tokens to modern biometrics and passwordless methods, and its broad compatibility with a vast ecosystem of applications, operating systems, and cloud services. The integration of risk-based authentication, leveraging machine learning and behavioral analytics, further strengthens its security posture by adapting to contextual threats.

However, RSA SecurID is not without its challenges. The cost can be a barrier for smaller organizations, and administrators may find the initial setup and ongoing management, particularly of physical tokens, to be complex and time-consuming. While the product has evolved significantly since its 2011 security incident, organizations must remain diligent in implementing best practices and leveraging additional security layers to mitigate known vulnerabilities like man-in-the-middle attacks.

Overall, RSA SecurID is a powerful and reliable choice for organizations prioritizing strong authentication and secure access across diverse environments, from on-premises to cloud. Its continuous development and extensive feature set make it a leading solution for identity assurance, particularly for those requiring high levels of security and compliance.

Disclaimer: The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.