VeriSign Delivers Strong Authentication Passwords to PayPal UKCustomers

PayPal Security Key Goes Live With VeriSign(R) Identity Protection in
the UK; Adds SMS Functionality From VeriSign to Secure Log-Ins via
Text Message
 
LONDON -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 01/26/09 --  VeriSign, Inc. (NASDAQ:
VRSN), the trusted provider of Internet infrastructure services for
the networked world, today announced that Internet users in the UK
have the option of using VeriSign(R) Identity Protection (VIP) on
their PayPal account as an extra layer of security to protect their
online identity. VeriSign is enabling PayPal's customers to log in to
their accounts by receiving a one-time-password (OTP) via text
message (PayPal SMS Security Key) or by using a security token
(PayPal Security Key).
 
Users of the 'PayPal Security Key' and 'PayPal SMS Security Key' can
now access their online accounts in a secure manner through a VIP
security credential that generates an OTP for every sign-on. During
an
online session, this password is entered into the user log-in
interface along with the user's usual account name and password. When
PayPal verifies the OTP and matches it to the user, clients achieve
strong -- or two-factor -- authentication.
 
"PayPal has always taken online security very seriously and is famous
for not sharing customers' financial information," said Garreth
Griffith, Head of Risk Management at PayPal UK. "As a result,
successful fraud attacks on PayPal accounts are very rare. But we
know that some people want extra reassurance, and that's what the
PayPal Security Key will offer. It's like a combination lock for your
account -- designed to let you in and keep others out, with the extra
safeguard that the combination always changes."
 
PayPal's support of strong authentication through SMS messaging means
that consumers who want the protection online can use the device of
their choice -- the physical Security Key token or a mobile device
for generating the OTP needed to access their accounts.
 
Griffith comments, "Offering the Security Key via text message is
really important as we want to make it as quick and convenient as
possible.  You just need your mobile phone to use it, which prevents
having to carry another gadget around with you."
 
Consumers whose devices support SMS -- and who subscribe to SMS
services from their mobile providers -- can receive PayPal OTPs
without having to download any special software. In addition to the
token and SMS functionality that PayPal has chosen to use, the VIP
Authentication Service supports a wide range of authentication
credentials, including stand-alone tokens, software tokens for mobile
phones and credit card-size form factors.
 
"PayPal has proven itself to be an innovator when it comes to online
safety for consumers," said Mike Davies, director of Identity and
Authentication Services at VeriSign. "With today's announcement,
PayPal and VeriSign are deploying what is truly a token for everyone.
Now, consumers have even easier access to proven safeguards from the
most trusted security brand on the Internet."
 
Around the world, leading online businesses have joined the VIP
Network to provide their customers with identity safeguards that go
beyond standard secure log-ins with user names and passwords.
Members of the VIP Network display a special VIP logo, a signal to
users that the site accepts a special VIP security credential that
generates an OTP for every sign-on.
 
The new SMS functionality is provided by VeriSign's Messaging and
Mobile Media division, which offers one of the most robust, scalable
and reliable mobile messaging delivery engines in the world,
connecting to more than 700 carriers and reaching over 3 billion
wireless subscribers in over 200 countries.
 
About VeriSign
 
VeriSign, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRSN) is the trusted provider of Internet
infrastructure services for the networked world. Billions of times
each day, VeriSign helps companies and consumers all over the world
engage in communications and commerce with confidence. Additional
news and information about the company is available at
www.verisign.com.
 
Statements in this announcement other than historical data and
information constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve risks and
uncertainties that could cause VeriSign's actual results to differ
materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking
statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among
others, the uncertainty of future revenue and profitability and
potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results due to such
factors as the inability of VeriSign to successfully develop and
market new products and services and customer acceptance of any new
products or services, including VeriSign Identity Protection
services;  the possibility that VeriSign's announced new services may
not result in additional customers, profits or revenues; and
increased competition and pricing pressures. More information about
potential factors that could affect the company's business and
financial results is included in VeriSign's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. VeriSign undertakes no obligation to
update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this
press release.
 
Copyright2009 VeriSign, Inc. All rights reserved. VeriSign, the
VeriSign logo, the checkmark circle, and other trademarks, service
marks, and designs are registered or unregistered trademarks of
VeriSign, Inc., and its subsidiaries in the United States and in
foreign countries. All other trademarks are property of their
respective owners.
 
Contacts
Media contact:
Victoria Henry
vhenry@verisign.com
020 8600 0723
 
Investor Relations:
Nancy Fazioli
ir@verisign.com
650-426-5146
 
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