Paris-based Oberthur Card Systems has won a contract to supply smart cards, software and readers for the pilot phase of K&H Bank's Internet home banking application in Hungary.
Under the agreement, Oberthur is to provide 5000 AuthentIC smart cards and ActivCard readers for use within the K&H Bank network as part of a fully operational pilot programme which began in December 2000.
The order for the pilot phase was placed by Cardnet, one of the contractors for the project, on behalf of K&H Bank and partner telecom's firm Matav.
The smart cards generate digital signatures, which authenticate the user, creating a secure and controlled environment for home banking.
Róbert Nemcsics, managing director for K&H Bank, says: "With the development of our Internet banking site, the first of its kind in Hungary, security is a major issue for customers. Teaming with Oberthur will bring customers an exceptionally secure online banking service using the AuthentIC smart card."
AuthentIC has been designed to bring together cryptographic technology in an open environment. During personalisation, the secret keys and certificates are loaded onto the card; these security elements can then be used for identification, authentication, non-repudiation and confidentiality using cryptographic algorithms for digital signature computation, encryption and verification. This enables the card issuer to develop customised digital signature applications.