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A dynamic company Since the early 1980s, RSA Security (previously named Security Dynamics) has been protecting corporate America's computer networks with its proprietary information security solutions. Its hardware and software offerings include encryption, authentication and access-control software, which protect corporate information and facilitate secure electronic commerce. The company is best known for its SecurID solution -- an electronic gatekeeper that uses a "two-factor authentication" system to authorize access to information on single and networked computers. It requires users to enter a PIN number in addition to an access code generated by the SecurID token/identification card. Because the code changes every 60 seconds, it is virtually impossible for hackers to break into a protected network. Foiling hackers since 1984 Kenneth Weiss founded the company in 1984 as a research and development firm. By the late 1980s the company was making software for mainframes and minicomputers, and in 1991 it introduced software for Intranets. Weiss left the company in 1996, citing conflicts over management of the business. To form the current company, RSA Security, the company has consolidated their two businesses, Security Dynamics, Inc., and RSA Data Security, which was a subsidiary acquired in 1996. The latter was a world leader in encryption and authentication technology. RSA Security's encryption systems are the most popular in the world. The company also operates a consulting division to provide customers with security assessment, implementation, education and support. From Sweden to Japan, going global In 1997, the company widened its international base with the purchase of Swedish software maker DynaSoft. Soon after, it established a Japanese subsidiary to serve its Asia/Pacific customers. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company will serve as a base for expansion in the area. In 1998, RSA Security acquired Intrusion Detection, Inc., which makes software to monitor corporate networks. It also announced an agreement to bundle its user-identification application with software-maker Aventail's "Virtual Private Network" technology. This will provide users with much more secure extranet capabilities than available in the past. In Febuary 2000 RSA Security made rare inroads into China by opening an office in Beijing. This commitment to globalization will ensure that RSA Security maintains its position at the head of the internet security industry. RSA Security is also increasing its funding of its RSA Capital venture firm to $100 million to help fund e-commerce infrastructure and networking companies. RSA Security maintains marketing and development partnerships with more than 70 companies, including 3Com, HP, Cisco Systems, Microsoft,KPMG, and Novell. Most recently, RSA Security has been busy distributing new codes to its customers after a researcher found a potential weakness in the code used for online transactions.
"It's a good time to be looking at [RSA Security]," sources say, "because there are so many jobs and so few good people." The company even offers employees a $2,000 bonus for referrals. RSA Security searches for candidates through job fairs, headhunters, and on college campuses. It also advertises openings in newspapers and the employment section of its web site. You can apply online or send resumes and cover letters via fax, e-mail or regular mail. If you don't see a job you want on the company web site, insiders suggest "sending a letter to the departmental managers to explore other potential positions." Insiders describe interviews as "generally relaxed," and note that "the level of technical questions varies depending on the interviewers." Candidates usually have individual meetings with "two or three people from the group, followed by the group manager, then a human resources person." If they like you, they "may schedule a second round, or just make an offer."
Can't get enough of RSA Security RSA Security insiders rate their company's work environment "higher than most." In fact, several have actually left the company, then "happily come back." As one employee put it, "though we've experienced some growing pains in the past few years," the sense is that "management has made the right decisions to keep the company ahead of the latest technologies." A "fun and challenging" place to work Sources say the environment is "a lot of fun and very challenging," and the "young, ambitious" workers are "very happy" with their "above average" salaries (engineers make between 35k and 70k). Work hours are "standard 40 a week," and schedules are "flexible." Perks include tuition reimbursement, free computer books, a company gym, and options for travel. Employees also appreciate the "convenient location," abundant parking spaces, and "subsidized food at the company cafe'." Dress code is business casual "unless there's a meeting with customers."
Vivian Vitale RSA Security1 20 Crosby Drive Bedford MA 01730 (781) 687-7020
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