Credit Union tech-talk News

December 18 - December 22, 2006

• General News
• Hardware News
• Software Updates
• ATMs/Kiosks
• Biometric Digest Highlights
• Wireless World
• Security Section
• Leaders Roundtable
• Technology and Marketing
• Online Banking/E-Commerce/
  Website Design
• Internet Access
• Call Centers
• Conferences

* Member Driven Technologies Deploys Digital Resolve’s Fraud Analyst
* GalaxyPlus Gains Recognition at JBoss Innovation Awards
* Axium Technologies Signs Silver State Schools CU
* PSCU Financial Services Partners with TriCipher
* Credit Union tech-talk December Highlights

Member Driven Technologies, a Credit Union Service Organization focused on serving the unique technology needs of its credit unions utilizing Symitar's Episys platform, announced that it has chosen to deploy Digital Resolve’s Fraud Analyst risk-based authentication platform across its client base to protect credit union members against online fraud and identity theft. Member Driven Technologies will use Digital Resolve’s Zero Impact deployment option, which allows for application independent deployment of multi-factor authentication.

GalaxyPlus Credit Union Systems, a business unit of Fiserv Inc. that provides state-of-the-art technology solutions to credit unions nationwide, was recognized at the inaugural JBoss Innovation Awards in Las Vegas. GalaxyPlus received this acknowledgement from JBoss for its innovation in service-oriented architecture (SOA), which was featured in the September/October 2006 Enterprise Open Source Journal.

Axium Technologies, a leading provider of surveillance security systems software and hardware, announced the signing of Silver State Schools Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in Nevada with 18 locations in and around Las Vegas. The system allows for local or centralized monitoring of each location and can store up to 90 days worth of images.

TriCipher, a leading provider of future proof risk based authentication, and PSCU Financial Services, the nation’s largest Credit Union Service Organization serving more than 500 credit unions, announced they have entered into an agreement to deploy the TriCipher Armored Credential System (TACS) solution as part of its InfoLinkPlus service. TACS provides consumers strong digital identity protection when viewing credit card account information online via InfoLinkPlus.

Here are just some of the articles from the December monthly issue of Credit Union tech-talk:

- Tape Backup Metrics
- Enhancing Outlook
- Data De-duplication
- Sandbox Applications
- Host Intrusion Prevention Systems
- Mortgage Accelerator Loans
- Debit Card Rewards Programs
- Traffic Shaping Devices
- Branch Connectivity Options 

Hardware News

Blade servers currently represent just 10 percent of total server sales even though vendors claim the latest systems offer improved flexibility, lower power consumption, and a favorable TCO (total cost of ownership). Is there a blade server in your credit union's future? Find out in the January issue of Credit Union tech-talk - subscribe now.

The Lexmark C530dn is a fast, high-quality color laser printer that would be a nice addition to a small credit union's main office. For $500, you get a network-ready printer with a built-in duplexer for automatic double-sided printing. The C530dn comes with a 250-sheet input tray that can expand to hold legal-size paper, as well as a 100-sheet multipurpose feeder that folds out from the front panel of the paper tray. It prints black text at about 17 pages per minute, color text around 16ppm, and color graphics at about 13ppm.

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ATMs/Kiosks

Phoenix Interactive Design has launched their Phoenix Commander solution which is a new software product that provides ATM deployers a 360-degree view of their self-service network. Phoenix Commander is a remote-management tool that allows ATM deployers to compile data and remotely drill down on the details of a single ATM/self-service device or a defined group of devices in real time.

Management consulting firm FischerJordan believes that kiosks can instantly issue credit cards. They say that these self-service kiosks can be economically viable and are currently technologically feasible. They have published a white paper with more info:
http://www.fischerjordan.com//images/stories/fischerjordan%20selfservice%20whitepaper.pdf

Looking to increase Brand Recognition and provide members with surcharge free ATMs?

Nationwide Money Services, Inc.’s Branded Cash Program is the answer. Fully endorsed by the VA Credit Union League and the CU 24 Network, our Branded Cash Program provides the ATM equipment, great locations, processing, maintenance, insurance, marketing rights and surcharge free transactions for your members, you only provide the cash and cash services for the ATM just as you would if you owned them. The ATMs look and act like your own, extending your reach or filling out your current market.

Our current CU partners include: AEDC, Beacon, Bronco, Carolina Collegiate, Educators, Freedom First, Food Lion Credit Association, Heritage Trust, Martinsville Dupont, NSWC, Old Hickory, Peoples Advantage, Southeast Financial and US Courthouse.

NMS also offers their ‘ATMs Made Easy’ Program for full service ATM management and placement services if you like the idea of having ATMs, but don’t want the hassle of day to day management and the associated costs for maintenance and unplanned expenses like triple DES.

For more information about the Branded Cash Program contact Bob Colabrese, EVP of Sales & Marketing at:

904-395-1147 or

bob.colabrese@GLXS.biz

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Cansec Systems is a privately owned Canadian company that has manufactured access control systems, fingerprint readers, and other security related products since 1987. They say that their Zodiac Max Fingerprint Reader is the perfect solution for eliminating access cards. The small unit is installed next to a door and includes a built-in keypad, LCD screen and fingerprint reader. Authentication is performed by first entering a 4 digit Personal Identification Number followed by the presentation of an enrolled finger. Zodiac Max readers are connected to a host PC running the included enrollment software. Users (up to 4000) are enrolled centrally at this PC using a USB desktop fingerprint scanner.

Safeguard Internet Banking against Authentication Attacks and Phishing

Today's consumers are demanding financial institutions, and for that matter any organization of any size that provides a logon page to personal and business information, deliver unquestionable security whilst maintaining an ease of use balance.

myBiometrix efficiently meets and exceeds these criteria and that of FFIEC and NCUA guidelines through our proprietary interface that addresses the needs of both Consumer and Provider in securing transacting online:

   • Authenticating the consumer (verifying who is accessing information by who they are not what they have)
   • Verifying the providers site (ensuring a Phishing episode is not being perpetrated).
   • Confirming the source of the transaction (originating PC)
In other words, all aspects of the transaction are secured.

myBiometrix leverages an array of foreground and background technology presented through an intuitive user interface that provides multi-factor “personal trait” authentication.

   • irrefutably authenticates “personally” to a website using traits including
   • prevent others from falsely using the owners credentials to log on
   • eliminating the growing incidence of Phishing and Pharming attacks
   • eliminating Key Logger exposure as the keyboard is not used
   • eliminating the need to remember or write down pass-phrases

myBiometrix authenticates through a range of methods including:

   • Finger recognition
   • Voice recognition
   • Face recognition
   • Biometric Smart Card
   • Geometrical code
   • Others…

myBiometrix is a scaleable solution that can be hosted by us as a Managed Service or run In-House. Delivering irrefutable authentication and security and monitoring mechanisms, whilst maintaining a practical usability balance, myBiometrix conveys a holistic approach that is a world leader in irrefutable Authentication and Verification.

Collaboration and Reseller enquiries are welcomed for our range of proprietary Biometric solutions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT myBiometrix:

 www.myBiometrix.com

OR CONTACT US DIRECTLY AT:

busdev@myBiometrix.com

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A California-based company has developed a mobile banking product that they say enables full online banking functionality with security on par with web banking best practices. They offer both SMS-based banking and 'True Mobile Banking'. Learn more about how it works in the January issue of Credit Union tech-talk - subscribe today.

Visa has launched what it says is the first general-purpose contactless prepaid card. Visa adds that they are considering adding contactless capabilities to reloadable products such as the Visa Buxx teen card and payroll cards, and could eventually include contactless payment technology in mobile devices. The cards provide the same security protections as regular payment cards, including zero liability for fraudulent charges and Visa's anti-fraud technology. Over the past year, contactless transaction volume has grown an average of 34 percent each month, with an average transaction value of roughly $17.

Texas Instruments is big on ‘tap and go’ payments fueled by contactless technology. They predict that Point of Sale contactless locations will rise more than 33% in 2007 over 2006, and that major retailers will forego trials and move straight to chain-wide rollouts. They also see consumer demand heating up for various form factors such as 2-D fobs resembling grocery store loyalty cards, and 3-D key fobs which can be fashioned into just about any shape imaginable, such as a football helmet or medallion in the shape of a company logo. Additionally, mobile phones, watches and portable music players will be enabled with contactless payment technology shortly.

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Start-up Untangle has introduced a Linux-based appliance that provides about a dozen open-source security applications, including antispam, antivirus and antiphishing programs, for small and midsize organizations. Untangle will offer its latest service free for companies with 10 or fewer employees. Typically, remotely managed security applications would be offered as a service ranging from $75 per month for 11 to 30 users or for a flat fee of $195 per month for more than 31 users. The appliance itself costs $895.

Webroot Software, known for their anti-spyware product, has partnered with Sophos to offer a more comprehensive solution for small and medium sized businesses. The combined product, called Webroot SME Security, uses the Sophos anti-virus product to complement the Webroot anti-spyware product. Webroot will provide the support for the package which they say installs as a single desktop agent quickly and easily.

We don’t just offer a world of authentication choices. We offer a world of experience.

Take the anxiety out of choosing an authentication solution by turning to the provider that offers the proven solutions, practical experience, and resources to make your deployment successful. With RSA Security, you can rest assured you’re implementing the same solution being used by more than 50 leading institutions — large and small. You have the backing of a well-resourced company committed to supporting you along the way — from technical integration to end-user experience. And, you benefit from the widest selection of authentication methods, including:

• Transparent risk-based authentication—Thanks to the industry’s lowest false-positive rate legitimate users are protected, but not bothered. That means fewer calls to your care centers and less drain on your bottom line.
  
• Visible site-to-user authentication– Widely-deployed “shared secret” technology increases your members’ confidence in transacting online by assuring them that they’ve logged on to your legitimate site.
  
• Tangible one-time password authentication — time-synchronous technology provides peace-of-mind to members who are more prone to risk, and those who prefer more tangible security.

For more, download the Tower Group Report: Doing the Right Thing: Bank of America Voluntarily Implements Strong Online Authentication

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CORE SYSTEMS: 

Getting Upgrades and Conversions Right

AFTECH - http://www.aftech.com   Read Joseph Antellocy's comments: http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/AFTECH.pdf

COCC - http://www.cocc.com   Read Marco Bernasconi's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/COCC.pdf

CU*Answers - http://www.cuanswers.com   Read Randy Karnes' comments:     http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/CUAnswers.pdf

Enhanced Software Products - http://www.espsolution.net   Read Matt Lefler's comments:     http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/ESP.pdf

GalaxyPlus - http://www.galaxyplus.com   Read Vince Francone's comments:     http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/GalaxyPlus.pdf

Harland Financial Solutions - http://www.harlandfinancialsolutions.com   Read Patricia Stark's comments:     http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/HFS.pdf

IntegraSys - http://www.integrasys.fiserv.com Read Albert J. Ku's comments: http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/IntegraSys.pdf

Open Solutions - http://www.opensolutions.com   Read Michael D. Nicastro's comments: http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/OSI.pdf

Summit Information Systems - http://www.summitsite.com   Read Kevin Sparks' comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Summit.pdf

Symitar - http://www.symitar.com   Read Kathy Hooker Burress' comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Symitar.pdf

USERS - http://www.users.com   Read Terry Murphy's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/USERS.pdf

XP Systems - http://www.xpsystems.com   Read Janet Wall's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/XPSystems.pdf

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Kanbay Research Institute's latest study on consumer demand for financial services finds that while some FIs are attempting to find differentiation in how they offer basic products such as free checking or interest-bearing accounts, that "this is one of the worst places to look for a long-term, competitive advantage." The report states that "consumers rate product uniqueness as one of their lowest desires from banks. What they really want is more competent staff and greater safety when using a bank." Amy Levitt, Director of the KRI, says that "in the future, technology will be twice as critical to a bank's success as it is today. Retailers think of technology as their websites, yet banks must expand their use of technology to include distinct areas such as ATMs, credit cards, electronic deposits and wire transfers. Technology is everywhere in the banking experience."

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Payroll debit cards are growing in popularity. For example, a survey by the American Payroll Association found that although only 3 percent of its 22,000 members were currently using paycards, a full 50 percent were considering adopting them. The cards are very convenient, especially for business owners who rely on part-time or young employees or workers who have recently immigrated to the U.S. and who may not have a credit union account yet. The cards are as easy to manage electronically as direct deposit, they eliminate the expense of printing and distributing paper checks, and they ensure that everyone gets paid on time and in full. However in a handful of states, including Montana, Vermont and West Virginia, paycards fall into a regulatory gray zone, with laws that neither forbid nor specifically allow them as a substitute for cash or checks. Another issue is that most state laws also require that employees be allowed to get their entire pay on payday without fees. However, paycard vendors typically allow only one free ATM withdrawal for each pay period, and an employee's pay may exceed the maximum withdrawal amount. So a business may have to cover at least some of those extra ATM withdrawal fees, which would cut into their cost savings.

March is right around the corner and with it comes the new check conversion rules from NACHA. Back-office conversion allows businesses and billers that accept checks at the point-of-sale or at manned bill-payment locations to convert eligible checks to ACH debits in a centralized location. The Electronic Payments Association has released resource materials that businesses and credit unions can use to train staff about the new ACH check-conversion application: www.nacha.org

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According to the latest statistics from the Anti-Phishing Working Group, the number of fake websites phishing fraudsters use to con Internet users into giving up PINs, passwords, and other confidential information soared to 37,444 in October, up nearly nine-fold from October 2005. “Larger numbers of smaller banks and credit unions are being spoofed and subject to phishing attacks,” says the report. The phishers are now using multiple subdomains in an effort to foil computer filters, like those embedded in browser toolbars, that identify known phishing sites and display warnings to users.

Vantis Credit Union, a Winnipeg credit union that serves more than 22,000 members through six branches, has been able to offer their members new interactive communications capabilities at their ATMs, with a little help from session initiation protocol (SIP) technology. The credit union's new SIP-based system enables members to engage in video and instant-messaging transactions over the ATMs, with their financial experts. SIP is a signaling protocol that helps create device-to-device connections over IP networks, so they can complete voice calls as well as transmit video signals. The system is based on Nortel Contact Centre 6.0 and is called "Expert Anywhere Contact Solution.
 

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ShoreTel announced the availability of ShoreTel Contact Center 4.6 which includes new features such as a universal queue, auto answer for inbound calls, and several other productivity enhancing features. ShoreTel Contact Center is an integrated suite of contact center applications running on a distributed IP platform that allows agents to be located anywhere and enables administrators to manage the contact center from a single user interface. Contact Center 4.6 includes resource matching functionality that permits various types of contact - voice, email or chat - to be routed to an agent with the appropriate skills based on configurable business rules. Contact Center 4.6 can also be configured with an optional backup server and a resilient agent feature. In the event that the primary server is unavailable, the backup server automatically takes over control from the primary server and calls connected to agents remain connected.

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Catch Tom and Bill Rogers, Associate Editor of Credit Union tech-talk at the following conferences in 2007:

Feb. 27-28, Miami Beach - Winter Biometric Summit

June 7-8, Las Vegas - Credit Union InfoSecurity Conference

October 10-13, Albuquerque - Firefighters' National Credit Union Summit

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