Case Study: BAA achieves automated, cost-saving identity management with One Identity Defender two-factor authentication

BAA puts identity management on auto-pilot with Defender® two-factor authentication and reduces costs

BAA, a major UK airport operator responsible for six airports including London Heathrow, faced a costly, time-sensitive challenge: replacing expiring two-factor authentication tokens for 3,500 users and scaling secure remote access to support new applications for up to 7,500 staff while integrating with Microsoft Active Directory. BAA selected One Identity and its Defender® two-factor authentication to find a more scalable, cost-effective solution with minimal operational disruption.

One Identity deployed Defender® in a phased rollout that co-existed with BAA’s previous system, meeting a tight six-week deadline for 4,000 security staff, maintaining continuity of service, and simplifying identity management via AD integration. The Defender tokens last 5–7 years (at least 67% longer than the prior three-year tokens), reducing replacement costs, enabling easier self-registration and disaster-recovery procedures, and delivering full scalability — with an expected 100% ROI within four years.

BAA

Fiona Hayward

IT Programme Manager