What are Shared Workstations?

It is always possible that there are multiple users found on a single work station. But, it is not necessary that all the users that are created on a single work station can share the desktops and tasks with each other. The access rights that are required for any user may/may not be provided to all the users.

Let’s take a small illustration – assuming there are 3 users a1, a2, a3 created and successfully working on a work station. It is definately not necessary that all three users that are created can share each others desktop and tasks.

Only if a user wants to share the desktop with the other user, it will take the credentials such as id / password of the user with whom he wishes to share.

This particular process in which the sharing between users and accessing desktops can be easily and securely done with the help of the specific credentials and authentications are termed as shared work stations.

More on Shared Workstations

While accessing any of the end users, it is vital that the authentications and identifications are handled properly and each electronic transaction is recorded for any future audits. The authentication and identification workflow must integrate with the rest of the security processes.

The Healthcare vertical is a great example where shared worked stations, terminals or kiosks are being used in a busy environment from caregivers to patients.

The Benefits

Overall, the shared workstation software with single sign on should address the following needs:

• Regulatory Compliances: Being able to track end-users events at every stage of the process.
• Security: Ensure non-repudiation authentication.
• Speed: Being able to switch from one user to another quickly. New technology such as the Fujitsu PalmVein reader provides another level of convenience for doctors who can authenticate without removing their gloves.
• ROI: Aggregate the users’ credential and integrate within the current IT infrastructure will provide better ROI. By adding application SSO to the solution it will provide an additional cost saving top the password management.

The final solution needs to be enterprise graded, with easy deployment and scalability. It acts as a positive factor if the solution provides data encryption for data at rest. Softex Security Products secures shared work stations and protects data on Opal SED’s.