ActivCard signs agreement with MasterCard to deliver first multi-channel cap authentication server
01 May, 2005
category: Biometrics, Contactless, Financial
MasterCard has chosen identity assurance provider ActivCard to deliver the first Chip Authentication Program to operate over multiple channels. The move will allow MasterCard member banks to authenticate users and transactions in non face-to-face environments, such as on-line shopping and phone banking.
ActivCard 4TRESS Authentication Server Provides Back-end Support for MasterCard Chip Authentication Program
InfoSecurity Trade Show, London – ActivCard Corp., a global provider of identity assurance solutions for secure remote access, single sign-on, enterprise access cards, and multi-channel identification and verification, announced that it has signed an agreement with MasterCard to deliver the first Chip Authentication Program(tm) (CAP) approved authentication server that is capable of operating over multiple channels. MasterCard’s member banks will use the ActivCard 4TRESSr Authentication Server to authenticate users and transactions in non face-to-face environments, such as e-commerce, online and phone banking, Mail Order/Telephone Order (MO/TO) and m-commerce.
When using MasterCard CAP for two-factor authentication, a cardholder simply inserts the card, which may be a standard debit or credit card, into a small hand-held CAP compliant reader, such as the ActivReader SoloTM. The user enters the PIN and the card generates a one-time-password, which is displayed by the reader. The card can also be used to verify or sign a transaction. The one-time-password or signature is then submitted to the bank through the website or over the phone, where it is validated by the authentication server in order to verify the identity of the cardholder and specific transaction parameters.
With ActivCard 4TRESS Authentication Server issuing banks can have a single common authentication server across all channels, integrating with existing back-end applications, and supporting other or existing forms of authentication such as tokens, certificates, SMS passwords or biometrics.
“For an authentication solution to be truly effective, it has to be secure, low-cost and consistent across multiple channels and MasterCard’s Chip Authentication Program addresses all these issues,” said Fikret Ates, Vice-President, Chip Product Management at MasterCard International. “We see ActivCard 4TRESS Authentication Server playing an important role in helping member banks to implement a multi-channel, multi-services CAP program rapidly.”
“Given the recent rise of phishing attacks and identity theft, banks are looking for a secure way to validate that customers are who they say they are,” said Ben C. Barnes, Chief Executive Officer at ActivCard. “ActivCard 4TRESS Authentication Server allows banks to positively identify customers – however they choose to access services – while keeping management costs low.”
CAP is a natural extension to an EMV Chip infrastructure, enabling members to leverage their existing investment to address the issue of payment security and convenience across different virtual payment channels. CAP can turn a Card Not Present (CNP) transaction into a Card Present Transaction, reducing chargeback costs and fraud due to CNP, and has the potential to significantly increase card payment volumes from e-commerce and services offered through secure remote banking.
CAP is part of the OneSMARTO MasterCardO program, which provides customers with instant access to an assortment of value-added applications and support services that strengthen the business case for chip migration. Beyond CAP, MasterCard offers OneSMARTO Pre-Authorized, for driving more transactions from cash to card, and OneSMARTO PayPass(tm), a contactless payment program. The OneSMARTO MasterCard program also includes a range of pre-configured smart card packages that help MasterCard’s customers get to market fast.
About MasterCard International
MasterCard International is a leading global payments solutions company that provides a broad variety of innovative services in support of our global members’ credit, deposit access, electronic cash, business-to-business and related payment programs. MasterCard International manages a family of well-known, widely accepted payment card brands including MasterCardâ, Maestroâ and Cirrusâ and serves financial institutions, consumers and businesses in over 210 countries and territories. The MasterCard award-winning Pricelessâ advertising campaign is now seen in 97 countries and in 47 languages, giving the MasterCard brand a truly global reach and scope. For more information go to www.mastercardinternational.com.
About ActivCard
ActivCard is a global provider of identity assurance solutions that, when integrated into an identity management system, allow customers to issue, use and manage trusted digital identities. ActivCard’s solutions include secure remote access, single sign-on, enterprise access cards, and multi-channel identification and verification. Globally, over seven million users at corporations, government agencies, and financial institutions use ActivCard solutions to safely and efficiently interact electronically. Headquartered in Fremont, Calif., ActivCard has development centers in the US, France, and the United Kingdom and sales and service centers in more than nine countries. For more information, visit www.activcard.com.