IBM develops USB token for secure transaction
05 March, 2009
category: Corporate, Digital ID
IBM’s Zurich research laboratory has released information on a USB token that can be used to ensure secure banking transaction even if a PC is infected with viruses and malware, according to a PC Advisor report.
The ZTIC (Zone Trusted Information Channel) is on display at the Cebit trade show. IBM is marketing the device to financial institutions. When plugged into a computer, the device is configured to open a secure connection with a bank’s servers. ZTIC is also a smart card reader and can accept a person’s bank card for verification. Once a PIN is verified, a transaction can be initiated through a Web browser.
The ZTIC bypasses the Web browser and connects to the bank to ensure data accuracy. Web browsers, however, are a point of weakness for online banking because of so-called man-in-the-middle attacks.
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