Certegy Embraces Two-Factor Authentication

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Certegy Inc. has taken FFIEC’s guidance on two-factor authentication for online services seriously. Certegy said it will integrate Menlo Park, California-based PassMark Security’s Two-Factor Two-Way Authentication system with its Internet Banking, Cash Management and Bill Pay system. Certegy will begin offering the service in the first quarter of 2006. It does not require end users to install any new hardware or software. PassMark’s technology works by authenticating the financial institution to the customer with a PassMark, a secret image known only to the site and that customer. When a customer sees the unique PassMark, they know that the e-mail or Web site is real and not a phishing attempt by a fraudster. PassMark also offers real-time transaction monitoring that analyzes transactions as they happen to prevent fraud attacks.