Swiss bank Hypothekarbank Lenzburg (HBL) has contracted with Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) for the implementation of a public key infrastructure (PKI) to enable customers to log on to its Web banking service using smart cards.
The system utilises SafeSign software from G&D technology partner AEG and allows customers to log on to online accounts using a smart card and a single password, replacing the traditional PIN-based procedure.
HBL says it will issue mobile users with USB tokens that can be plugged into the USB port of a notebook to provide verification and access to Web banking services.
The technology also allows for the encryption and digital signing of e-mails, so all customers will receive statements by e-mail. All business correspondence between the bank and customers will also be exchanged electronically.
The PKI was already introduced internally in 2002 and HBL estimates that all existing e-banking customers will be able to migrate to the new system during 2003.