SUMITOMO TO LAUNCH FLICK AUTHENTICATION SERVICE ON SMARTPHONE PLATFORM IN MARCH

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (SMBC) is set
to launch its Flick Authentication Service on the smartphone platform for
business-to-business (B2B) transaction services in March 2017.
    In a statement today, SMBC said, despite the threats of phishing and PC
hijacking, it was forging ahead with its Internet banking for B2B transactions
while continuing its efforts to ensure safe and secure internet banking
environment for its customers.
    SMBC President, Takeshi Kunibe, said that powered by TheGRID Beacon 2-Factor
Authentication solution, it allows Internet-based financial service providers to
address its current and future threats of online identity thefts.
    "The TheGRID  Beacon is pioneered and patented by e-Lock Corporation Sdn Bhd
(e-Lock), a Japanese Information Techonology (IT) company based here. 
    "Its multi-layered protection model ensures that online customers 
confidential information is always protected and secured," he said.
    Takeshi said developing the One Flick Authentication service with NEC Corp
and leveraging on e-Lock s internationally patented ON/OFF authentication
technology, it was now possible to introduce various Internet banking services
securely on the smartphone platform.
    He said TheGRIDTM Beacon 2-Factor Authentication technology essentially
transformed smartphones into secure authentication devices, empowering corporate
users to be in full control of their own Internet banking accounts and transactions.
    "All these security features make TheGRID  Beacon a highly cost-effective
solution to battle online fraud and phishing.
    "SMBC will explore and extend this authentication service to the bank s
other wide ranging online services," said Takeshi.

 -- BERNAMA