Avatier has introduced a new authentication solution designed to remain operational during large-scale cyberattacks, following lessons learned from a disruptive incident at Stryker Corporation earlier this year. The company unveiled the Identity Challenge Card, an air-gapped multi-factor authentication (MFA) method that does not rely on devices, networks, or cloud-based identity systems. The launch reflects growing concerns that traditional authentication methods can fail when attackers compromise core identity infrastructure.

The Stryker incident highlighted this risk. Public reports indicate that attackers gained access to administrative credentials and used enterprise management tools to wipe devices at scale, locking employees out of systems and disrupting operations. The event underscored a broader trend: identity systems are increasingly becoming primary targets in cyberattacks. Most modern MFA solutions depend on smartphones, authentication apps, and identity providers such as Microsoft Azure Active Directory or Okta. In coordinated attacks, these dependencies can be simultaneously disrupted rendering authentication systems unusable and preventing employees and IT teams from restoring access.

Avatier’s Identity Challenge Card is designed to address this gap by removing those dependencies entirely. The solution consists of a secure, pre-issued physical card for each employee. Authentication is performed through a simple challenge-response process, requiring no internet connection, device, or power source.

The company describes the product as “air-gapped by design,” meaning it operates completely offline and cannot be remotely compromised. Each authentication attempt uses a one-time value, preventing reuse and reducing the risk of replay attacks. According to Avatier, the system can be deployed across an entire workforce quickly without requiring device provisioning or application installation. It is intended to provide continuity during incidents where identity systems are unavailable, enabling service desks to verify users and maintain operations even in the middle of an attack.

Alongside the product launch, Avatier introduced a free Attack Cost Calculator, aimed at helping organizations quantify the financial impact of cyber incidents. The tool allows businesses to estimate potential losses based on workforce size, revenue, and downtime, highlighting how identity-focused attacks can lead to significant operational and financial disruption.

Nelson Cicchitto, CEO of Avatier, said cybersecurity has evolved into a business continuity issue rather than just a technical concern. He emphasized that when identity systems fail, organizations risk losing the ability to operate entirely, not just their data. The launch reflects a broader shift in cybersecurity strategy, with organizations exploring resilient, offline-capable solutions to maintain access and trust during increasingly sophisticated attacks targeting identity infrastructure.

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