PartyGaming Decides to Protect Its Online Customers With Two-Factor Authentication From VASCO Data Security

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. and ZURICH, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- VASCO Data Security Inc. (Nasdaq: VDSI; www.vasco.com), a leading software security company specializing in authentication products, today announced that PartyGaming, a leading online gaming company, decided to extend the protection of its Party-branded online customers with two-factor authentication using VACMAN® Controller, VASCO's authentication server technology and equip their customers with a customized PartySecure authenticator.

In 2009, VASCO was approached by PartyGaming which was investigating two-factor authentication as a possible solution to further strengthen its security to prevent account hacking. Two-factor authentication provides PartyGaming with the opportunity to identify and protect their users. PartyGaming decided to integrate VACMAN Controller, VASCO's authentication server technology. The VACMAN API has been fully embedded in the gaming portal. End-users can now acquire a PartySecure authenticator from the PartyGaming online store. The PartySecure authenticator is a fully customized VASCO DIGIPASS® GO 6, a one-button authentication device which generates a one-time password (OTP).

DIGIPASS GO 6 is a small ultra-portable and user-friendly authentication device. At the push of the button an OTP is generated. This OTP is only valid for a limited period of time and replaces the use of a static password.

PartyGaming customers (PartyPoker, PartyCasino, PartyBingo and PartyGammon) register by downloading the PartyPoker software from the PartyGaming website. Once registered, they can purchase the fully customized PartySecure authenticator from the PartyGaming online store. Registered players can then type their user name and use their authenticator to generate a one-time password (OTP) to log-on to their account. The use of OTP allows PartyGaming to ensure that the gamer says who he is and protects him from password theft. The OTP is only valid for a limited time and it can only be used once.  Thus it becomes impossible to hand over passwords to unauthorized users. Furthermore, thanks to its limited validity keyloggers will not be able to re-use the password when intercepting it online. Last, providing that security can also rime with usability, users who have forgotten their authenticator can request for an OTP to be delivered by SMS to their cell phone.

For the delivery of the authenticators to the end-user VASCO and PartyGaming decided to work with Computrad (Europe) Ltd. Computrad is a leading iGaming infrastructure solution provider with highly scalable solutions which mitigate DDoS attacks, load balance traffic, reduce latency, secure and speed up transactions.  Computrad has a full understanding about local rules and regulations which facilitated the delivery of the PartySecure authenticators to end-users.

"We decided to work with VASCO since they were able to offer us a cost-effective solution which is embedded in our application. VASCO worked closely together with us throughout the implementation process: they were able to help us with a smooth and quick deployment; they also helped us in facing a number of challenges regarding delivery to the end-user. Furthermore, the solution we implemented is highly scalable, it can grow with us and easily support the growing numbers of online gamers on our platform," says a PartyGaming spokesman.    

"We are excited that PartyGaming decided to work with us to combat account fraud. VASCO has a proven expertise in helping financial institutions in combating online fraud and with this expertise we are in an excellent position to offer user-friendly solutions to the gaming industry to help them confront the security and fraud prevention challenges that they and many other e-commerce industries are facing," says Jan Valcke, COO and President at VASCO Data Security.

About Computrad iGaming

Computrad are the industry's leading supplier of IT infrastructure to the iGaming industry and are currently working with the largest iGaming operators having deployed fully integrated solutions into the market.

Computrad have helped many new and also existing operators become some of the largest and most successful operators in the market through our unique IT systems design, planning, support, industry specific knowledge of different jurisdictions and understanding of different gaming applications and platforms from industry leaders.

About PartyGaming Plc

PartyGaming Plc is the world's leading listed online gaming company.  Founded in 1997, the Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY.  In the year to 31 December 2008, PartyGaming's Continuing operations generated revenues of $472.9m and Clean EBITDA of $144.2m.  PartyGaming's principal brands are www.PartyPoker.com, one of the world's largest online poker rooms,   www.PartyCasino.com, the world's largest online casino, www.PartyBingo.com, www.PartyGammon.com, www.PartyBets.com, www.PartyMarkets.com, www.FoxyBingo.com, www.GetMinted.com, www.Gamebookers.com and www.WorldPokerTour.com. None of the Group's sites accept real money customers located in the US.  The Group is a responsible gaming operator as recognised by GamCare a leading responsible gaming charity in the UK.

PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and is certified by GamCare as a responsible gaming operator and is also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index of companies.  For more information, please visit www.partygaming.com.

About VASCO

VASCO is a leading supplier of strong authentication and e-signature solutions and services specializing in Internet Security applications and transactions.  VASCO has positioned itself as global software company for Internet Security serving a customer base of over 9,000 companies in more than 100 countries, including almost 1,350 international financial institutions. VASCO's prime markets are the financial sector, enterprise security, e-commerce and e-government.

Forward Looking Statements:

Statements made in this news release that relate to future plans, events or performances are forward-looking statements. Any statement containing words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intend," "mean," and similar words, is forward-looking, and these statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations. Consequently, actual results could differ materially from the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements.  

Reference is made to VASCO's public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for further information regarding VASCO and its operations.

This document may contain trademarks of VASCO Data Security International, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including VASCO, the VASCO "V" design, DIGIPASS, VACMAN, aXsGUARD and IDENTIKEY.

SOURCE VASCO Data Security International, Inc.