U.S. Social Security Administration begins first public testing of voice biometrics with web application developed by Authentify

Authentify automates verification process for self-service registration and access to online wage reporting facilities within Social Security Administration’s Employer Services Web site.

CHICAGO, IL - January 20, 2003 - Authentify, Inc., a leading provider of Internet identity authentication solutions, and the U.S. Social Security Administration today disclosed that a verification process employing voice biometrics via telephone has been integrated into Social Security’s Business Services Online web site for live testing. Chicago based Authentify began development of the authentication application this past September. The project is Social Security’s proof of concept for use of biometric technologies in public facing Web applications. The Authentify-based verification process has been added to the Business Services web site used to electronically file W2 forms and wage reports. Social Security hopes to gain experience leading to other possible uses of voice biometrics in a number of Social Security business processes and online services.

In tax year 2001, the Social Security Administration received approximately 100 million wage reports electronically. Recent projections conducted by the agency indicate volumes will more than double over the next few years. The projected costs and associated security concerns with existing processes caused Social Security to consider new procedures.

Authentify, working closely with Social Security, helped design the new process. Along with additional security, the new process reduces cost and provides a better customer experience. The new process utilizes an automated outbound telephone over the Public Switched Telephone Network, (PSTN), call coordinated with an Internet session to deliver an interactive, real-time verification solution as opposed to one that relied on the generation and delivery of surface mail.

“Social Security needed a more effective way than surface PIN mailers to provide approval and access to their online services. They also wanted a stronger security model,” said Peter Tapling, Authentify’s President and CEO. “The Authentify technology provides a simple, low cost platform to use biometrics for security, as well as enable an out-of-band communication channel for secure PIN delivery.”

The Social Security Administration is testing the Authentify approach because people are used to being recognized by voice over the phone. In addition, the process takes advantage of an existing, widely deployed infrastructure – the telephone network. Users need not obtain special equipment for their computers, install any software and they know how to use telephones. Social Security saw this “no training, no software, no hardware” approach as critical to successfully providing services to one of the largest online user bases in the world.

“We were interested in an effective way to both use biometrics and to strengthen our access and approval process”, said Chuck Liptz, the Project Manager at Social Security. “This will make it faster for employers to receive their PIN and password, while decreasing costs for SSA. It's a win-win scenario for both SSA and the employer community. Authentify was able to help us on both fronts. We’re confident the public’s reaction will be positive!”

Authentify’s synchronized interaction of Web and telephone is the only way to reach around a computer and interactively engage the user. In reality, it mirrors what often happens in the brick and mortar world – if there’s a question, grab the phone, make a call and get an answer. Now, using Authentify, the SSA Business Services site can do the same.

About Authentify
Authentify, Inc. provides Internet identity management products and services that enable organizations to quickly and cost-effectively provide real-time user authentication during an Internet session. By leveraging the familiarity of telephone networks, Authentify ensures that deployment of e-Security is practical for business and easy for consumers. The company's patent-pending process seamlessly integrates into existing online processes that have been developed for e-business, secure information access and the distribution of security credentials. The Authentify solution provides a trusted, real-time mechanism for the management of digital credentials and username/password systems for employees, trading partners and customers, while also ensuring the availability of a comprehensive audit trail. Authentify is privately held and based in Chicago, Illinois. Visit Authentify on the Web at http://www.authentify.com, or call 773-243-0300.

About the U.S. Social Security Administration
On June 8, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a message to the Congress, announced his intention to provide a program for Social Security. The Social Security Act was signed into law on August 14, 1935. In addition to several provisions for general welfare, the new Act created a social insurance program designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement. Today, Social Security provides financial protection to more than 152 million workers and their families, and more than 45 million Americans receive monthly Social Security retirement, disability or survivors benefits. The Supplemental Security Income program pays monthly benefits to more than 6.6 million Americans who have little or no resources and who are aged, blind or disabled. The 65,000-person independent, federal agency is headquartered in suburban Baltimore, with offices in Washington, D.C., and in 1,500 other locations nationwide.

Editorial contacts:

John Zurawski
Authentify, Inc.
773.243.0328
john.zurawski@authentify.com

©1999-2002 Authentify, Inc. Authentify, the Authentify logo, and Authentify|Register are trademarks of Authentify, Inc. All other product names, service marks, and trademarks mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

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