VASCO Data Security urges soccer fans to be cautious when placing their bets online during the World Cup
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Illinois and ZURICH, Switzerland –June 10th, 2010 – VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (Nasdaq: VDSI; www.vasco.com), a leading software security company specializing in strong authentication products, announces it is ready for the World Cup. With the World Cup approaching, online players all over the world are preparing to place their bets on the different soccer games. The World Cup Tournament is the most popular sporting event in the world for soccer fans and for soccer betting players. This year, the Republic of South Africa is hosting the World Cup. Taking security issues into account and looking at the recent trends for online betting, most of the bets will be made through betting websites. VASCO Data Security is reminding players that this occasion presents plenty of opportunities for hacking, phishing or man-in-the-middle attacks, when going online to place their bet.
As a leading a security vendor, it is VASCO’s ongoing role to educate computer users on the dangers when going online. To safeguard online players VASCO has outlined some guidelines to take into account when betting online during the World Cup period. Some simple rules can already help betters prevent from credit card details, digital assets or personal data getting exposed online. Cautious behaviour includes:
- Make sure the betting website is trustworthy and the operator is licensed
- Check if the website has a privacy policy to make sure your personal data are safe
- The website should be secured using SSL
- Know what you are betting for; know what it will cost you
- Choose a provider that uses two factor authentication which offers enhanced security for players placing bets
Logging on to betting sites requires a password. Most sites make use of a static password, which can easily be hacked or intercepted online.
VASCO Data Security provides a wide range of solutions to secure online transactions. Whether it is for executing online bill payments with your bank, place bets online or doing business online, VASCO provides tailored solutions to protect financial transactions online. For online betting during the World Cup, DIGIPASS® for Mobile provides a suitable solution to protecting the millions of betters from fraudulent intentions such as phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
VASCO’s DIGIPASS for Mobile is a software based strong authentication solution which uses your mobile phone as an authentication device without having to invest in additional hardware. Since the majority of the people owns a mobile phone and carries it around, it is the perfect authentication device during the World cup. After downloading the authentication software on your mobile phone, your phone can generate a one-time password and provide you with an extra security level to protect your personal accounts when you log in.
Commenting on the advice, Jan Valcke, President and COO of VASCO Data Security, said: “Cyber criminals are always looking for opportunities. During the Word Cup, they know that many more betters will be active online to place their bets. Most of the e-betting sites are using vulnerable static passwords. VASCO advocates the use of one-time-passwords to help protect people against cyber criminals, not just during the World Cup, but all through the year”. He added: “VASCO has an ongoing responsibility to educate consumers on the risks of conducting transactions on line, and help them to mitigate those risks, especially during the World Cup, when more people place their bets online.”
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 9,500 companies in more than 100 countries, including approximately 1,450 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.
For more information contact:
Jochem Binst, +32 2 609 97 00, [email protected]