PayPal deploys SMS authentication system in UK

The optional SMS security is being rolled out to UK customers as a free service. PayPal is also offering a physical digital security token costing £3 for users who don't wish to receive the texts on their mobile handsets.

Garreth Griffith, head of risk management at PayPal UK comments: "Offering the Security Key via text message is really important as we want to make it as quick and convenient as possible. You just need your mobile phone to use it, saving the hassle of carrying another gadget around with you."

Developed by VeriSign and first introduced in the US in 2007, the SMS Security Key is already operational for PayPal customers in Australia, Austria, Canada and Germany.