PSD2: equensWorldline launches first ever browser-based strong authentication solution, covering all user devices

Despite the flexibility introduced in the migration plan proposed by the European Banking Authority (EBA) on 21 June 2019 (subject to the agreement of the national regulatory authorities), banks have a real challenge to propose strong authentication for cases of remote payment use and account access. One of their challenges is to replace the current solution based on OTP SMS (One-Time Password sent by SMS to approve 3DSecure payment transactions) because this solution does not meet the two-factor authentication criteria imposed by the PSD2 for remote payment.

equensWorldline’s solution, named WL Trusted Authentication, is available for mobile applications (smartphones) and web browsers (mobile phones and computers). It is unique in the market due to its universal coverage, and the technical innovation that makes the browser version simple from a deployment point of view.

The solution has a European patent, and was designed several years ago to meet the growing needs of banks in the area of strong customer authentication. It is already deployed in many European banks (more than 100 million transactions per year). In addition, this solution is natively integrated in the company’s WL Access Control Server, which guarantees a rapid deployment for 3DSecure use cases, thus allowing banks to meet the deadline set by the regulations.

An innovative, browser-based, solution to provide universal coverage

equensWorldline’s browser solution is innovative because it enables banks to provide strong authentication without the need for external hardware (tokens, for example), smartphones, or software on the user’s computer. The user enrolls his browser in a simple and transparent way, and can then perform strong authentication with the same kinematics as if he/she just entered credentials to access his online bank. In this browser-based solution the same security measures have been applied as on mobile phones.

Integration methods adapted to the bank's strategy

Several integration modes are available to optimally suit the different digital strategies and calendar constraints of banks. There’s a mobile solution that can be integrated into the bank's existing mobile application, a mobile white-label solution which can be customized to the bank's look-and-feel, and a Worldline-labelled mobile solution for rapid deployment. In addition, there’s now also a browser solution, accessible simply from any computer, tablet, or phone browser, and requiring no installation, for all business or home users, who do not use smartphones.