VeriSign Releases VIP Mobile Credential Application for iPhone

VIP Access for Mobile on the iPhone creates true two-factor authentication for consumers -- the first factor being the username and password (something they know), and the second factor being the iPhone VIP credential (something they have). With the new credential, iPhone users can enjoy strong authentication at more than 40 Web sites that are part of the VIP Network, including eBay, PayPal and AOL.

"Our ongoing efforts to strengthen the security of online accounts for mobile consumers give them the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of strong authentication through a device that's always with them and frequently in use," said Fran Rosch, senior vice president of product and strategy at VeriSign. "Deploying VIP credential capabilities on iPhone 3G makes strong economic sense for businesses interested in having as many users as possible take advantage of the enhanced security on their sites."

By implementing two-factor authentication through VeriSign's Security as a Service (SaaS) model, enterprises virtually eliminate the costly IT infrastructure investments once required to deploy proprietary authentication systems. VeriSign's open standards-based SaaS solution also speeds time to market and drives down per user costs. And with mobile phones serving as free VIP credentials, enterprises can scale their potential user base at negligible per-user costs.

With VIP Services, enterprises directly address consumers' concerns about online security. A recent survey found that 86 percent of consumers prefer sites that enable proactive security measures such as two-factor authentication. Meanwhile, 68 percent said they would like better systems in place to protect their identities, and 41 percent said they would consider new applications offering identity protection, even if that meant extra steps on their part (Source: VeriSign/Synovate research).

View a demo of the VIP Access for Mobile on the iPhone at http://vipmobile.verisign.com/demo.v.