VeriSign's VIP for PayPal UK

VeriSign's VIP for PayPal UK

Posted by John B. Frank Tuesday, January 27, 2009

PayPal Security Key Goes Live With VeriSign® Identity Protection in the UK; Adds SMS Functionality From VeriSign to Secure Log-Ins via Text
Message

VeriSign, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRSN), the trusted provider of Internet infrastructure services for the networked world, today announced that Internet users in the UK have the option of using VeriSign® Identity Protection (VIP) on their PayPal account as an extra layer of security to protect their online identity.

VeriSign is enabling PayPal's customers to log in to their accounts by receiving a one-time-password (OTP) via text message (PayPal SMS Security Key) or by using a security token (PayPal Security Key).

Users of the 'PayPal Security Key' and 'PayPal SMS Security Key' can now access their online accounts in a secure manner through a VIP security credential that generates an OTP for every sign-on. During an online session, this password is entered into the user log-in interface along with the user's usual account name and password. When PayPal verifies the OTP and matches it to the user, clients achieve strong -- or two-factor -- authentication.

"PayPal has always taken online security very seriously and is famous for not sharing customers' financial information," said Garreth Griffith, Head of Risk Management at PayPal UK. "As a result, successful fraud attacks on PayPal accounts are very rare. But we know that some people want extra reassurance, and that's what the PayPal Security Key will offer. It's like a combination lock for your account -- designed to let you in and keep others out, with the extra safeguard that the combination always changes."

PayPal's support of strong authentication through SMS messaging means that consumers who want the protection online can use the device of their choice -- the physical Security Key token or a mobile device for generating the OTP needed to access their accounts.

Griffith comments, "Offering the Security Key via text message is really important as we want to make it as quick and convenient as possible. You just need your mobile phone to use it, which prevents having to carry another gadget around with you."

Consumers whose devices support SMS -- and who subscribe to SMS services from their mobile providers -- can receive PayPal OTPs without having to download any special software. In addition to the token and SMS functionality that PayPal has chosen to use, the VIP Authentication Service supports a wide range of authentication credentials, including stand-alone tokens, software tokens for mobile phones and credit card-size form factors.

"PayPal has proven itself to be an innovator when it comes to online safety for consumers," said Mike Davies, director of Identity and Authentication Services at VeriSign. "With today's announcement, PayPal and VeriSign are deploying what is truly a token for everyone. Now, consumers have even easier access to proven safeguards from the most trusted security brand on the Internet."

Around the world, leading online businesses have joined the VIP Network to provide their customers with identity safeguards that go beyond standard secure log-ins with user names and passwords. Members of the VIP Network display a special VIP logo, a signal to users that the site accepts a special VIP security credential that generates an OTP for every sign-on.

The new SMS functionality is provided by VeriSign's Messaging and Mobile Media division, which offers one of the most robust, scalable and reliable mobile messaging delivery engines in the world, connecting to more than 700 carriers and reaching over 3 billion wireless subscribers in over 200 countries.

About VeriSign

VeriSign, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRSN) is the trusted provider of Internet infrastructure services for the networked world. Billions of times each day, VeriSign helps companies and consumers all over the world engage in communications and commerce with confidence. Additional news and information about the company is available at www.verisign.com.

Source: Company Press Release

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