USAA, a Texas-based provider of financial services for members of the military community and their families, has introduced new quick logon and authentication security software for its mobile users, providing secure mobile logon access to their banking, insurance and investment accounts.
USAA has teamed up with California-based VeriSign to simplify account access for USAA members while strengthening the logon security for its USAA Mobile App.
With the new security software, USAA members can access their accounts through a secure four-digit PIN, instead of a three-step process of username, password and PIN.
The USAA Mobile App is fortified with VeriSign Identity Protection Service (VIP), a cloud-based authentication service, which enables both easy and secure online access. The added protection of VIP is effective because a strong authentication credential is embedded in the mobile application that enables USAA to identify trusted mobile devices.
In combination with this VIP credential, users can enter their PIN, thus achieving two-factor authentication (PIN and known device) to access their USAA accounts.
USAA members can download the updated application with quick logon at the Apple iTunes store or just update their current USAA Mobile App. However, the quick logon service is expected to be available in April for Android phones. BlackBerry users can expect the upgraded USAA Mobile App soon thereafter.
Wayne Peacock, executive vice president of member experience at USAA, said: “With quick logon, all you need is a PIN and you’re in – it’s fast and simple. USAA and VeriSign developed this product to provide members easy access along with the security our members expect from USAA.”
Kerry Loftus, vice president of user authentication at VeriSign, said: “VeriSign is excited to be working with USAA in enhancing its leadership as a mobile banking and financial services pioneer. With VIP, USAA is streamlining a secure and simple mobile experience to further bolster its members’ exceptional mobile experiences.”