CeBIT 2003: VASCO Launches Low Cost and Easy to Implement Digipass Authentication Server, Delivering One-Time-Passwords and Digital Signatures on Mobile Phones, Text Pagers and PDA’s
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. and BRUSSELS, Belgium – March 06, 2003 – VASCO Data Security International (Nasdaq: VDSI: www.vasco.com), a global provider of enterprise-wide security products that support e-business, today announced that it has launched Digipass Authentication Server, offering server based strong user authentication via unconnected handheld devices (Mobile Phones, Pagers, PDA’s). The company will officially put Digipass Authentication Server on the market during the upcoming CeBIT tradeshow in Hanover (Germany). VASCO’s booth will be situated in Hall 17, Booth nr G 17.
Digipass Authentication Server is the first member of a server-based Digipass product range. This new Digipass category aims at the large quantity retail market, in the banking sector but also in the wide variety of e-commerce applications and the corporate network access market. In short, Digipass Authentication Server can be deployed for any application where static passwords are used. Digipass Authentication Server can be implemented into a system as a unique authentication product, or in conjunction with other Digipass models.
Working with the Digipass Authentication Server is as easy as sending an SMS (Short Message Service), which is very popular with mobile phone users for sending text messages, or an e-mail message. The end-user starts the process by entering his User ID and pass code on the login box of the web browser. Then the Digipass Authentication Server checks that information and, if found valid, generates a one-time-password with the user’s secret access key. A few seconds later, the end user receives that password via SMS or e-mail and submits the one-time-password to the secure website. He now has been granted access to the site.
Digipass Authentication server uses a new patent pending encryption mechanism developed by VASCO. When used with a mobile device, the server creates a virtual Digipass to be used as an authentication device. The virtual Digipass is accessed by the user when he enters his user ID and PIN into the client applet and requests to use his virtual Digipass.
Digipass Authentication Server offers an important number of benefits to the companies deploying the product:
· Extremely low Total Cost of Ownership: once the product is installed, the only substantial cost will be the sending of the SMS/e-mail;
· Easy deployment;
· Can seamlessly be used together with other Digipass products in the same projects, thus becoming the heart of the Digipass Factory;
· Very swift roll out: up to several 100 000 users a day;
· Mobile phone can be used for several services where authentication is needed.
“With Digipass Authentication Server, we tackle a brand new market segment within the strong authentication space, being all possible B to C applications within the banking, e-commerce and corporate network access sphere,” said Jan Valcke, VASCO’s President and COO. “Digipass Authentication Server can be used in several industries and company types, in conjunction with other Digipass products or on a stand alone base. We are convinced that Digipass Authentication Server will be a tremendous success. Already, several companies have shown keen interest in its possibilities.”
About VASCO:
VASCO designs, develops, markets and supports patented “Identity Authentication” products for e-business and e-commerce. VASCO’s Identity Authentication software is delivered via its Digipass security products, small “calculator” hardware devices carried by an end user, or in a software format on mobile phones, other portable devices, and PCs. For user access control, VASCO’s VACMAN products guarantee that only designated Digipass users get access to the application. VASCO’s target markets are the applications and their several hundred million users that utilize fixed passwords as security. VASCO’s time-based system generates a “one-time” password that changes with every use, and is virtually impossible to hack, or break. With 8 million current users of its Digipass products, VASCO has established itself as a world-leader for strong Identity Authentication with 180 international financial institutions, approximately 800 blue-chip corporations, and governments representing more than 50 countries.
Forward Looking Statements
Statements made in this news release that relate to future plans, events or performances are forward-looking statements. Any statement containing words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” and similar words, is forward-looking, and these statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations. Consequently, actual results could differ materially from the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements.
Reference is made to the Company's public filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for further information regarding the Company and its operations.
More information is available at www.vasco.com.
For more information contact:
Media: Jochem Binst: +32 2 456 9810, [email protected]
Investor Relations: Tony Schor, President, Investor Awareness, Inc.: 847-945-2222, [email protected]