ION Networks, a provider of infrastructure security solutions, has introduced `disposable' software-based authentication tokens into its ION Secure solutions suite.

Based on 3DES encryption standards and available for Palm OS, RIM Blackberry and Microsoft Windows platforms, ION Secure 520 Soft Tokens are software applications designed to replace physical authentication tokens found in the form of a smart card or key fob.

Kam Saifi, ION's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "ION Secure Soft Tokens are specifically designed for companies who have outsourced maintenance and support of their IT infrastructure to third party organizations. These organizations routinely connect to a company's network devices and applications and thus have access to critical business data, representing a significant security concern. ION solutions, together with ION Secure Soft Tokens, are designed to provide a cost effective vendor management solution to address this potentially serious threat."

ION Networks also announced the most recent release of the ION Secure PRIISMS Administrator Portal that the company said - as part of its administration functionality - distributes secret key information required to activate the soft tokens. PRIISMS can be configured so that upon completion of a session, a user is deactivated instantaneously, providing enhanced security by expiring specific keys, allowing one time only access.

ION Secure 520 Soft Token licenses are available to participants of ION Networks' SecureCare maintenance program. Evaluation versions are available for download at at the company's website.