XIRING launches BlueSign smart card authentication solution with Bluetooth wireless communication technology

(31/01/2007)

XIRING has announced the launch of a smart card authentication solution equipped with Bluetooth wireless communication technology. BlueSign will provide users with greater flexibility, versatility and safety for transactions, regardless of channel, including the mobile phone.

BlueSign is a personal two-factor authentication solution compliant with MasterCard CAP (Chip Authentication Programme) enhanced with wireless secure communication. XIRING BlueSign will bring particular value in the fields of mobile banking and mobile commerce as it will allow two-factor smart card authentication to take place within these specific environments which can otherwise fall victim to fraud.

Bluetooth wireless technology provides convenient, wire-free, short-range communication between personal devices. Since its introduction in 1999, Bluetooth is now widely deployed in mobile phone handset where it is used for wire-free earphone and in-car communication. It is also deployed in PDA and smartphone devices, and in laptop PCs. Bluetooth-enabled devices are estimated to ship at the pace of 12 million per week.

XIRING has chosen Bluetooth technology for its BlueSign project because is an International Market standard, and the technology has the appropriate security features for this kind of exchanged data.

The method of securing Bluetooth communication is inherent to the session initialisation method. A Bluetooth device will initiate a communication session when the user gives an explicit request. Then, the two devices open an encrypted communication channel similar to a SSL session over the Internet.

XIRING has implemented the technology to enable seamless connections so data can be transferred easily and securely between the smart card and PC or PDA. This enables users to authenticate themselves with their service provider (for example in online banking) the same way as when using their mobile phone or their laptop PC.

Nigel Reavley, director of the banking Business Unit at XIRING, said: “XIRING is constantly innovating and developing its technology. The addition of Bluetooth wireless technology, which is the most versatile and secure wireless standard on the market today, is a step ahead in our range of security products and solutions. BlueSign opens up the possibility of the connected smart card reader communicating securely with other devices, such as the PDA and mobile phone. Mobile banking is already a core channel for financial institutions and looks set to grow in the future. BlueSign will encourage this trend and ensure that users are communicating within a secure two-factor smart card authentication environment.”

BlueSign is the achievement of an R&D programme supported by the French OSEO-ANVAR organisation.

XIRING has also announced that its 'Teo by XIRING' smart card reader is certified Microsoft® Windows Vista™.

Teo by XIRING is a PC connected smart card reader compliant with the most advanced technical requirements (PC/SC, CCID, USB, EMV2000) and provides high added value with a “plug’n’play“ reader with three positions of use. This reader has been designed according to the strongest environment-friendly standards (no screws, easy recycling, recycled cardboard packaging).

More than just a PC connected smart card reader, Teo By XIRING is a procurement solution built around a dedicated e-commerce platform. With this new channel, XIRING provides a simple platform for software editors wishing to develop smart card-based applications. The fixed price per unit, regardless of the quantity, allows any size of business to deploy the new smart card-based application. Available 24/7, buyers can purchase products when they need it, without the need to manage stocks (measured lead-time for delivery is under one week).

“The Microsoft Vista certification of our new connected smart card reader is a key milestone. Our dedicated e-commerce platform provides an easy way to procure best-of-class PC-linked smart card readers that works easily in the main computer environment” said Laurent Maitre, XIRING Marketing Manager.

Related topics:  Access Control   IT Network and Computer Security   Security market sectors 

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