Provident will use ImageMask to mask sensitive customer data on check images that are retrieved online to help safeguard them from fraud and identity theft. The solution masks sensitive data such as the address block, signature, a portion of the check routing number and the account number as appropriate, based on the particular image. The Bank selected the technology as part of its final steps in building a layered security approach for online customers in accordance with FFIEC guidance, and the technology will be integrated into a proprietary Provident Bank Internet banking platform.

"As we continue to expand the regions we serve and grow our online customer base, ImageMask will be a critical component of our security processes," commented Carol Langton, senior vice president at Provident. "With no enrollment, cookies, downloads or installations for customers to manage, we expect the rollout to be relatively fast and simple. The solution will also allow us to offer customers another way to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft without disrupting the online experience."

Endorsed by industry expert Frank W. Abagnale, ImageMask masks sensitive information in online documents to help prevent unauthorized users from retrieving sensitive data which is often used for fraud and identity theft. The product can be customized to mask data on any type of scanned, online document including personal and business checks, bank statements, tax records, legal documents, medical records, etc. The technology allows customers to view enough of the document image to verify the information without altering the original scanned image, and without requiring any additional hardware or storage space.

"We're excited to work with Provident as one of the first organizations to leverage this simple but highly effective solution to protect their customers from identity theft and fraud," said Ori Eisen, founder and chairman of The 41st Parameter. "They are clearly on the cutting edge of service innovation, and are doing their part in making fraud history."