Verizon Expands and Enhances Next-Generation Identity Platform to Enable Safer, More Trustworthy Internet

NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Enterprise Solutions is expanding availability of its next-generation, cloud-based identity platform – Verizon Universal Identity Services – to Europe, effective immediately. The platform, previously available only in the U.S., also boasts new user-friendly features, including an updated mobile app, Quick Response code-enabled access, and a simplified end-user interface, making identities easy to manage and use.

Verizon Universal Identity Services uses multifactor authentication to verify users are who they say they are by combining an individual's username-password with a computing device that generates a one-time password or a biometric scan, such as fingerprint recognition. Once authenticated, users can securely access online content such as websites, corporate resources and even electronic medical records from their computer, smartphone or tablet. Verizon's cloud-based identity services are an alternative to traditional solutions and provide an easier, faster, more flexible and secure way for organizations to implement two-factor authentication.

According to the "Verizon 2013 Data Breach Investigations Report," weak or stolen passwords and credentials account for 76 percent of data breaches, underscoring the need for stronger online identities.  

"The bad guys are becoming increasingly more sophisticated as they continue to probe business and government networks to gain access and steal information," said David Small, chief platform officer for Verizon Enterprise Solutions. "Verizon Universal Identity Services is transforming the business of validating online identities to provide a safer, more trustworthy Internet. Our platform will help achieve the vision of a single, trusted universal identity that individuals can use for all online activities, whether at home, at work or on the go."

The Verizon identity platform is available on the iOS Android, Windows and BlackBerry operating systems and can be used to validate the identities of employees, partners and customers. The platform also features legally binding digital signature capabilities, such as those required for electronic prescriptions, online tax filing and license renewals.

In addition, a new, simplified end-user interface offers administrators an enhanced dashboard with expanded security and operations reporting that help organizations address and demonstrate security compliance.

"Verizon has invested in expanding the availability and enhancing the features of its next-generation, cloud-based identity platform," said Amy DeCarlo, principal analyst for security and data center services, Current Analysis. "By focusing on the end-user experience to create an identity platform that is easy to deploy, manage and use, Verizon Universal Identity Services stands out from other identity solutions available on the market today."

Launched in the U.S. in 2010, Verizon Universal Identity Services is delivered from Verizon data centers to meet enterprise security, availability and reliability requirements.

Said Small: "Verizon is investing today to meet the online identity requirements of tomorrow. By continuing our close collaboration with government and industry stakeholders around the globe, we are working to create a global identity ecosystem that will improve the privacy, security and convenience of sensitive online transactions."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 100 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries. A Dow 30 company with nearly $116 billion in 2012 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 180,900.  For more information, visit about.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon