Tag: visa

Tokenization may help make mobile payments more secure

| October 23, 2014

Bell ID has launched its new tokenization platform in order to support mobile commerce security

Bell ID, a payment credential management organization, has launched new software that could introduce more security to the mobile payments space. Security has been a problem in the mobile world for several years now. While there are many effective security solutions currently available in the mobile world, relatively few of these have been able to offer consumers interested in mobile commerce with the protection they need. Tokenization may be the solution to this problem.

Digital tokens remove the need for financial information

Tokenization is a relatively simple concept that involves replacing personal financial information with digital “tokens.” These tokens are used to authenticate a transaction and then are deleted after they have served their purpose. This removes the need for retailers and other businesses to access or store a consumer’s financial information, allowing for more secure in the mobile payments sector. Bell ID’s new Tokenization Manager software may help boost the popularity of tokenization.

Tokenization Manager to help businesses use digital tokens as a way to verify transactions

mobile payments and securityThe company’s Tokenization Manager has already seen significant use by various NFC-based mobile payment solutions. The solutions use digital tokens as a replacement for credit and debit cards, as well as other financial information. Many organizations believe that digital tokens will mitigate the prevalence of large-scale cyber attacks, such as those recently targeting Target and Home Depot. These attacks seek to gather and exploit financial information, but malicious groups will not be able to use tokens in any way.

As mobile payments become more secure, consumers and businesses will become more likely to participate

Tokenization is becoming so popular that companies like Visa and MasterCard have begun to support the concept. Tokens could finally bring a high degree of security to mobile commerce, which has suffered over the years due to lackluster security support. As mobile commerce becomes more secure, a greater number of people and businesses are likely to enter the sector. Several companies have delayed their mobile plans due to security issues within the mobile space.

Apple acquires mobile payments specialist from Visa

| October 1, 2014

Mary Carol Harris joins Apple, bringing her extensive mobile payments experience with her

Apple has made an aggressive move in the mobile payments space. The company has successfully acquired Mary Carol Harris, the former director of mobile for Visa Europe. Harris has significant experience in the mobile space, especially when it comes to payments. She also has expertise with NFC technology, which is the foundation of the new Apple Pay service. Apple’s acquisition of Harris may go a long way in improving the company’s stance in the European mobile commerce market.

Apple is working to establish a strong foothold in the European market

Apple Pay intends to change the way that people pay for goods and services, leveraging contactless technology in order to make payments more convenient for consumers. The service is already being heavily supported by a wide variety of financial institutions, including Visa itself. In the U.S., Apple Pay has been met with excitement, but this is not the case in other parts of the world. In Europe, the demand for mobile commerce services has been quite high, but consumers have become quite comfortable with the services that they are currently using, which may make it difficult for Apple Pay to stand out amongst the competition.

Harris could be pivotal to Apple’s European goals

Mobile Payments NewsMary Carol Harris has 14 years of experience in digital and mobile payments. Before joining Visa, she ran Telefonica’s NFC division. She served as Visa Europe’s vice president in charge of strategic alliances and projects in mobile thereafter. Harris has extensive experience in creating mobile payment systems and she was one of the pioneers of payments via SMS. She may serve as a powerful ally in Apple’s push into the European market.

Apple looks to partner with European financial organizations

Apple is hoping to form partnerships with European financial institutions that mirror its partnerships with organizations in the U.S. By partnering with European banks, Apple will be able to make its new mobile payments service more widely available. The Apple Pay service supports NFC technology, but only works with payments being made from an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus.