VeriSign Selects Authentify to Automate Delivery of Digital Certificates to Businesses

Business Wire, March 21, 2005

CHICAGO -- Authentify Service Enables VeriSign to Issue Fully Authenticated Digital Certificates

Authentify, the pioneer in automated telephonic authentication for the Internet, today announced that VeriSign, Inc., the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, is using the Authentify voice-based authentication service as part of its validation services. This service is used by VeriSign to verify that a digital certificate is requested by the organization applying for it, and reduces the time it takes a US-based customer to receive one. Typically, an organization that has a valid business registration and domain registration can get a fully authenticated server certificate in less than one day using this service.

VeriSign selected Authentify for its ability to streamline costs and employee time associated with the telephone verification portion of its validation process. The Authentify service integrates with VeriSign's existing validation process and enables US server certificate orders to pass through the automated telephone verification system in minutes. Authentify, which has developed a patented system that binds a Web session with an outbound telephone call, automatically completes the vast majority of its telephone verification transactions for VeriSign without human intervention. The ability to integrate smoothly allows direct contact with VeriSign customers, through the navigation of auto-attendant switchboards and live operators as required by VeriSign's strict validation policies.

"VeriSign's server certificate business is a high volume, high transaction operation that requires, among other things, that we perform a legally-binding and auditable verification of certificate applicants. Moving to the Authentify system has had a positive and direct impact on our customer satisfaction without compromising the integrity of our validation requirements," said Tony Berman, certificate practices manager, VeriSign. "The Authentify service has allowed us to dramatically reduce the number of manual verification calls authentication specialists must perform for US-based customers. The rate and speed at which we are able to complete automated user authentication using Authentify has helped us streamline both our costs and operations."

"The ability of Authentify to support a large scale application like VeriSign's digital certificate business is a powerful example of the flexibility, reliability and availability of our technology," said Peter Tapling, president and CEO of Authentify. "The Authentify service enables online companies like VeriSign to reduce operating costs for securing transactions and preventing fraud, while at the same time offering their customers higher levels of service and convenience."

About the Authentify Service

Authentify uses the most ubiquitous and reliable technology in the world, the telephone network, as an authentication tool for Internet transactions. The company has developed a patented process that enables Web sites or other network access points to place a real-time automated telephone call to the person who is attempting to conduct an online transaction. Once the person answers the call, he/she is prompted for information being displayed on their computer screen. The Authentify two-factor authentication process ensures that the person on the phone is in control of the web session, and provides a legally recognized audit trail that binds the transaction.

About Authentify

Authentify provides companies and government agencies with authentication services for online enrollment and account activation, e-payment, e-signature and identity management applications. The Authentify service tightly binds a telephone call to an Internet session using existing infrastructure that requires no additional software, hardware, or user training. Authentify customers include Bank of America, Hewlett Packard, Associated Bank, VeriSign, PaymentOne, and the Department of Defense. Authentify is privately held and based in Chicago, Illinois. To contact Authentify call 773-243-0300 or visit http://www.authentify.com.

About VeriSign

VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable businesses and individuals to find, connect, secure, and transact across today's complex global networks. Additional news and information about the company is available at www.verisign.com.

Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause VeriSign's actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the uncertainty of future revenue and profitability and potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results due to such factors as the risk that VeriSign's announced strategic relationships, including the relationship described herein, may not result in additional products, services, customers, profits or revenues; and increased competition and pricing pressures. More information about potential factors that could affect the company's business and financial results is included in VeriSign's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. VeriSign undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.