Last May, Trusteer launched an optional added security measure for customers of ING Direct in the United States (note 1, see previous post). Although, it’s not perfect, users of the Rapport service are less vulnerable to viruses and malware running on the their PCs. We gave the new service an OBR Best of the Web award last fall in our Online Banking Report on Security Innovations.

Although, ING Direct is a great reference account, being endorsed by Royal Bank of Scotland, really puts Trusteer on the map. The security solution is offered for download at both Royal Bank’s RBS and NatWest sites (see screenshots below). Anyone visiting the banking sites can download the software, you don’t have to be an RBS/NatWest customer. 

Trusteer also lists Huntington Bank as a customer but there is no mention of Rapport on the bank site yet. Other providers include Authentium’s SafeCentral (note 2) and Check Point’s ZoneAlarm (note 3). 

Bottom line: Security is an issue for many bank customers, now more so than ever. Extra security options deserve consideration to improve customer satisfaction/trust and help reduce fraud losses. 

Rapport download page at NatWest (link, 23 March 2009)

Rapport download page at RBS (link, 23 March 2009)

Notes:
1. Later ING Direct Canada and ING Direct’s Sharebuilder added Rapport support.
2. Authentium demo’d SafeCentral at FinovateStartup 2008 (video here). A new version of SafeCentral is in the works. 
3. Check Point demo’d ZoneAlarm at Finovate 2008 (video here).