Authentication system designed to meet the visually impaired needs

With Xi-Sign 4500, Banks can now Provide Their Visually Impaired Customers a Security Solution for On-Line Banking Services

Based on XIRING patented technology "Chip-to-Speech", the Xi-Sign 4500 will be the first CAP-compliant device to offer a smart card based authentication solution for visually impaired users.
As the popularity of alternative banking channels, such as online and telephone banking, continues to grow, there is a growing need for banks to remotely authenticate all customers during non face-to-face transactions and that includes the visually impaired.

In Europe, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) states that disabled people have important rights of access to everyday services, and that service providers must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate their specific need. This includes remote banking services. Furthermore when shopping with a card, it is important that a disabled person can check the most recent transactions made with the card to avoid fraud.

The Xi-Sign 4500 meets these needs.

Xi-Sign 4500 features a specific audio interface based on the patented "Chip-to-Speech" technology owned by XIRING, that enables the device to recite any text displayed on the screen in a clear recorded voice, and which is accessed with a discrete earphone. Using this function the device can "read" the one-time password calculated by the EMV banking card, and also read back the transaction logs from the card so a user can audibly check the amounts charged to the card. The reader is portable and off-line so it can be used in any location as a means of on-line authentication.

It also features an oversize screen, displaying the authentication password in 7mm characters for the partially sighted that represents twice the size of characters displayed on existing relevant devices. When the device is turned on the first time, a special "Discovery" mode is activated which helps the user to learn the layout of the keyboard using audible indications, in order to memorize the position and the associated function of each key.

Thanks to the innovative Chip-to-Speech audio interface, the user is guided in an audio manner and so benefits from the security of smart card based authentication to access on-line services just like anybody else.

As Nigel Reavley, Director of Business Unit Banking at XIRING, explains, "XIRING is currently working with major banks in the UK and Europe to develop EMV based authentication solutions that best meet the diverse needs of their customers, whatever these might be. As a result of our strong client relationships and an excellent knowledge of the banking sector, XIRING has been able to identify this need in the market and develop a specific solution based on our certified Xi-Sign platform."

"The Xi-Sign 4500 is a testament to the banking community's commitment to meet the specific needs of all of their customers and to deliver the best service possible."

For further media information or to arrange a media interview with Nigel Reavley from XIRING, please contact Shona Clarke at Harrison Cowley on +44-(0)-870-606-0960 or email shonac@harrisoncowley.com

About XIRING :

XIRING designs, manufactures and markets smartcard based security products and solutions. Through authentication and digital signature it allows private and professional users to secure their electronic transactions. XIRING focuses on remote banking and health care applications and leverages an international network of more than 50 business partners. Six million XIRING readers have been delivered in 30 countries.