Other solutions exist, but they require companies to add more and more layers of security, which can slow down system response time, Heatherington says. One of our key goals is to get the current technology out to as many issuers as possible. In addition to SecureClick, Cyota offers SecureWAP for mobile e-commerce. The concept of unique credit numbers isn't unique to Cyota. In early September 2000, American Express Company announced a product called Private Payments, which provides a random, unique number for each online purchase.
Customers can register for the service for free.
American Express also made a minority investment in Privada Inc., a digital privacy infrastructure provider, to deliver a second product that will let customers choose how much of their information is shared when they browse any site on the Web. It's scheduled for release later this year. In response to the American Express announcement, MasterCard issued a press release outlining its security strategies. The company offers a number of virtual account number and pseudo account number programs. MasterCard is also evaluating and developing security solutions that rely on virtual or pseudo account numbers and message authentication codes or digital IDs to reduce risks associated with sending live account numbers over open networks and to authenticate cardholders.