Gemalto's unique optical smart card reader offers VKB's online customers an unmatched combination of security and convenience, as it requires no software to install and it reads directly on the personal computer screen, the tablet or the mobile device. The Ezio solution leverages the security of smart debit cards to authorize eBanking transactions and is compliant with the latest banking standards in Austria. The Ezio Edge Optic reader will be made available to all VKB customers at branch offices .

Ezio Edge Optic's compact design allows users to take it with them wherever they go. The device is simply placed in front of the screen and the securely encoded transaction data needed for verification and transaction signature generation that are displayed on the screen are instantly read. Once verified, users can easily and securely perform online transactions including money transfer and payments. The Gemalto Ezio Edge Optic requires no software installation on the user's computer or mobile device, making usage and adoption particularly easy.

"The Ezio Edge Optic is perfectly suited to meet our need to widely expand the possibility to sign transactions, while guaranteeing the convenience of Internet banking," commented Klemens Minichberger Head of payments transaction, VKB-Bank ."Its unrivaled portability and user-friendliness will make a real difference in increasing our customers' confidence, thus encouraging adoption."

"Austria is one of the most online safety-conscious countries in Europe and is setting a high standard for eBanking security," added Håkan Nordfjell, Senior Vice President of eBanking at Gemalto. "VKB-Bank is helping to continue this momentum by offering their customers secure, instant and 24/7 accessibility to their online bank. The Ezio Edge Optic will also enable VKB-Bank to deploy more advanced Internet services such as electronic document signing and secure international payments over the long term."