Verizon Wireless Enables VeriSign Identity Protection

Verizon Wireless has begun supporting VeriSign Identity Protection (VIP) Access for Mobile, a free application that provides authentication credentials to help customers protect their online data. VIP Access for Mobile displays a security code on a mobile phone that customers can use as a second factor of authentication in addition to usernames and passwords when accessing online accounts. The security code acts as a unique, one-time password that changes automatically every 30 seconds.


Provided as a cloud-based authentication service, the VIP Authentication Service -- also known as strong or two-factor authentication -- provides an additional layer of protection beyond standard username and password sign-on. Two-factor authentication works by requiring each user to provide not just a username and password but also a second factor, in this case, a unique one-time six-digit security code generated by a user's VIP authentication credential. Businesses can use the capabilities to provide secure remote log-in to corporate intranets, partner portals and virtual private networks (VPN).


VeriSign noted that its VIP Access for Mobile is the only two-factor authentication credential certified for BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless), which allows mobile users to reliably access trusted applications directly from their phones.


"Bringing VIP Access for Mobile to Verizon Wireless customers dramatically broadens the footprint of VIP authentication and puts a powerful tool against identity fraud into the hands of millions of mobile users," said Kerry Loftus, vice president of User Authentication at VeriSign.


Customers can get the application from their wireless phones by selecting the Business Tools/Information category in the Media Center/Get It Now, or by visiting the online media store at http://www.mediastore.verizonwireless.com.
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