|
Gemalto acquires Valimo Wireless
|
Digital security company Gemalto has said that it is acquiring Valimo Wireless Oy, a mobile authentication companythat helps secure online banking, mobile payments and other mobile and electronic commerce transactions. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2000, the Helsinki headquartered Valimo has pioneered the use of two-channel, two-factor authentication based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), combining an over the air platform with a software client in the SIM to generate a legally binding electronic signature, any time, any place. Valimo allows mobile phone users to securely authenticate themselves, digitally sign documents and confirm legally binding transactions by entering a self-chosen passphrase or a PIN code. Valimo Mobile ID solution facilitates secure online banking, mobile payments, governmental services, electronic and mobile commerce, and identity and access rights management for enterprise applications.
Gemalto has been partners with Valimo for five years. In its statement, Gemalto said that together the duo have helped a major Turkish mobile operator, with over 30 million subscribers, deploy a mobile digital signature commercial roll-out that enabled online banking with 13 banks. The operator also connected the Valimo platform to forward-looking governmental agencies, enabling access to e-government services such as obtaining birth certificates or booking appointments at the hospital.
Olivier Piou, Chief Executive Officer, Gemalto, said mobile digital signature had arrived at a tipping point. “Enabling people to conveniently sign legally-valid transactions is opening up a whole range of new applications for the mobile, at the service of citizens.”
Valimo CEO Juha Murtopuro said the key ingredient in a successful mobile PKI launch was bringing together mobile operators, banks and governmental agencies. “Going forward, Valimo will be able to leverage Gemalto’s customer relationships in these domains to successfully deploy mobile strong authentication. We are happy as we believe this combination will accelerate the much expected deployment of Mobile ID, including into new territories and new markets such as e-banking and governments services.” |
