Oberthur Technologies Provides BGZ With Smart PIN Solution for PIN Delivery via SMS

PARIS, April 21, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Oberthur Technologies, a leading innovator in the field of payment cards and related services, has worked closely with BGZ bank in Poland to launch Smart PIN, a service which enables PIN codes to be securely delivered to cardholders' mobile phone handsets via SMS.

The Smart PIN solution, developed by Oberthur Technologies, allows cardholders to request a PIN code using just their mobile phone and a secret authentication code shared with the card issuer. The PIN code is then sent via SMS to the cardholder's mobile handset.

The PIN can be received instantly, regardless of the cardholder's physical presence, eliminating the traditional time gap between receiving the card and the PIN, thus providing a more convenient solution for cardholders. BGZ, a bank known for its forward thinking approach, is the first bank in Poland to introduce such an initiative. The bank is currently offering Smart PIN to customers applying for new as well as replacement cards.

Smart PIN also reduces the opportunity for fraud, as man-in-the-middle attacks become virtually impossible. In addition, PIN codes are stored and transported securely and the data is double encrypted.

Aside from improved security, benefits to issuers include the potential to make substantial savings in handling, printing and postage costs. It also allows issuers to track the progress of PIN requests to ensure the PIN code is delivered successfully in each case.

"In comparison with traditional PIN mailers, this solution enables our customers to receive PIN codes in a much faster and safer way" said Grazyna Ciurzynska, Director of the Bank and Credit Card Department at BGZ Bank in Poland. "Smart PIN will contribute towards enhancing the quality of services provided by the Bank"

"We are committed to developing new products and services that can help banks improve their relationship with their cardholders" comments Eric Duforest, Europe Managing Director for Oberthur Technologies' Card Systems Division. "Smart PIN is a revolutionary solution which brings a range of benefits to BGZ as well as to the cardholder, including improved efficiencies and enhanced security."

The interest in Oberthur Technologies' Smart PIN service has been strong since its launch, and other issuers, not only in Europe but also in the rest of the world, are currently in the process of implementing this innovative solution.

About Oberthur Technologies

With sales of 905 million Euros in 2009, Oberthur Technologies is a world leader in the field of secure technologies. Innovation and excellence ensure Oberthur Technologies' strong positioning in its main target markets:

    - Card Systems: The world's second largest provider of security
      and identification based on smart card technology and associated
      services for mobile, payment, transport, digital TV and convergence
      markets.
    - Identity: Leading international supplier for the manufacture and
      personalization of secure identity documents such as passport, identity
      card, driving license or health care card - traditional and electronic
      - and associated services for both governmental and corporate markets.
    - Security printing: A key player in the secure printing industry
      specialized in the production of banknotes, checks and other security
      documents in more than fifty countries.
    - Cash protection: World leader in the emerging market of
      intelligent systems to secure cash-in-transit and ATM.

Close to its customers, Oberthur Technologies benefits from an industrial and commercial presence across all five continents.

Oberthur Technologies S.A. is a limited liability company (societe anonyme) registered in France with its registered office at 50 quai Michelet 92 532 Levallois Perret, France. Oberthur Technologies S.A.'s corporate registration number is 340 709 534 R.C.S. Paris.

Website: http://www.oberthur.com

SOURCE Oberthur Technologies