Leading IT Security Consultancy Offers Third-Party Security Counsel to Speech Solution

BOULDER, Colo. -- [August 10, 2005] -- Gold Systems, a developer of voice-powered software applications for Global 1000 companies, has collaborated with Applied Trust Engineering to bring optimal security to its speech-powered password reset solution.

Gold Systems’ Password Reset™ securely automates the process of resetting a forgotten or expired password by allowing users to call in to the application to receive a new temporary password. This solution will verbally confirm a caller’s identity by verifying and matching answers to a number of randomly asked challenge questions; once authenticated, the user will receive a temporary password.

Because this password-management solution utilizes speech recognition technology, users can get a new password anywhere at any time. Corporate help desks can now offer this service around the clock with little effort and minimal cost.

“Traditionally, the process of resetting passwords has been handled by live help desk agents or outsourced to an IT service provider. In that environment, it’s challenging to enforce strong passwords and proper password handling procedures without causing inconvenience for users and system administrators. Gold Systems’ Password Reset product gives security-conscious companies an innovative self-service tool that will appeal to both users and security professionals, ” said Trent R. Hein, Chief Executive Officer of Applied Trust.

Gold Systems’ Password Reset solution supports security by facilitating stronger policies, such as longer passwords and more frequent password expiration, as well as ensuring complete and accurate audit trails for all password reset transactions. But unlike some security applications, Gold Systems’ solution doesn’t force companies to trade convenience for security.

The product was built on a proprietary “threat model” that seeks to eliminate up to 40 known password-security vulnerabilities. This threat model was developed by Gold Systems and certified by Applied Trust. Additionally, Microsoft’s Speech Server team reviewed Gold Systems’ threat model and recently awarded the application its ISV Certification.

“We wanted our product to offer the highest level of security; that’s why we chose Applied Trust as our security partner. Their expertise helped us develop a solution that works to uphold and even enhance our customers’ security policies, while still providing a convenient and cost-saving solution,” said Herb Morreale, Chief Technology Officer of Gold Systems.

As an additional layer of security, the product offers an optional Speaker Verification Module, which adds biometric (voice-print) technology, matching a speaker’s voice against a pre-recorded voice.

Besides added security, a speech-powered password reset solution relieves overburdened help desk professionals of the tedious task of resetting lost or forgotten passwords and saves companies thousands of dollars each year. Gartner Group estimates that 25 percent of all calls to a help desk are password related, and a typical help desk password reset call costs companies $10 to $31 each. Automating this business process with Gold Systems’ Password Reset can save companies with 1,000 or more employees an average of $30 per password reset call.

For more information about Gold Systems’ Password Reset visit www.goldsys.com. To access a Password Reset demonstration call (866) 212-4254, say “Password Reset,” and follow the prompts.

About Gold Systems

Gold Systems' self-service IVR, speech recognition and text-to-speech solutions allow businesses to improve profitability while providing customers with a service they love to use. With its award winning products and services, Gold Systems helps the Global 1000 identify where efficiency can be improved with voice-driven solutions. Gold Systems has positively impacted bottom line results for companies throughout the world in the financial, insurance, healthcare, retail and utility industries since 1991. More information about Gold Systems can be found at www.goldsys.com or by calling (303) 447-2774.

About Applied Trust Engineering

Applied Trust Engineering provides IT security and network/systems infrastructure consulting services. The company serves clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, financial services, recreation and government. Based in Boulder, Colo., Applied Trust's proven process provides industry-recognized experts to ensure a successful combination of technology, practice and awareness. For more information, visit www.atrust.com.