ATLANTA and SAN JOSE, RSA Data Security Conference, January 18, 1999 -- Advancing personal and enterprise privacy over the Internet and other networks, Equifax Secure Inc. and Security First Network Bank (SFNB) today announced the first commercial use of next-generation technology that authenticates consumer identity beyond "wallet" data on www.sfnb.com. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Equifax Secure is showcasing its new remote consumer authentication technology Jan. 18-20, 1999, at the RSA Data Security Conference at the San Jose Convention Center.

Security First Network Bank, the World’s First Internet Bank^TM, recently deployed Equifax Secure’s new service to authenticate individuals on its web site, www.sfnb.com, in real-time to establish proof of identity of consumers before approving applications for an array of banking products and services.

"The Equifax Secure authentication service is a breakthrough for e-commerce that improves privacy and security over the Internet while providing the convenience consumers expect and the privacy protections they demand," Eric Hartz, chief operating officer for Security First Network Bank, the newest member of Royal Bank Financial Group.

Mike Rouse, SFNB head of operations, added, "This remote authentication capability helps accelerate application processing to deliver our banking products and services to our new customers in the United States. Our parent company is also interested in deploying the Equifax Secure service in Canada."

Since 1995, Security First Network Bank has opened more than 14,000 accounts on its web site. Obtaining more complete and accurate identification through Equifax Secure assures the integrity and privacy of electronic communications and transactions from the beginning of the online relationship with new SFNB customers.

"We are delighted that Security First Network Bank is the first customer to implement our remote authentication service," said Jeff Johnson, senior vice president and general manager, Equifax Secure Inc. "The Equifax Secure technology provides the highest level of individual identification and authentication available which is paramount to building confidence among businesses and consumers about e-commerce over the Internet and other networks."

Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on wallet information such as Social Security number, driver’s license number and address to identify users online, the Equifax Secure authentication engine requests both financial and non-financial information that should be known only to the user. The engine compares and analyzes multiple elements in the furnished information against consumer data from Equifax and other consumer and business information sources, including information maintained by the customer.

The Equifax Secure authentication service simplifies the sign-on process while verifying the user’s identity in a simple, real-time process:

• First, the user completes and submits an online application form.
• Second, the authentication engine then displays a multiple-choice questionnaire compiled from information managed by consumer and business information sources. These questions can include elements from the user’s financial history.
• Third, the user then completes and submits the multiple choice questionnaire form.

"In the final step, the engine conducts a series of functions with algorithms to compare responses in the interactive query, delivering a response to determine if the person is who they claim to be," said Carl Stucke, vice president of e-commerce technology, Equifax Secure. "If the engine can verify the user’s identity, the user moves to the next step in the customer-defined application process. If the engine cannot verify identity, the user is directed to complete the identity verification process manually."

The Equifax Secure authentication service revolutionizes how enterprises authenticate identities, leveraging 100 years of Equifax innovation in providing decision solutions based on analysis of sensitive consumer and business information. In a matter of seconds, the authentication engine 1) edits and standardizes furnished information, 2) corroborates supplied data with reputable data sources, 3) uses non-wallet information for interactive query, 4) performs easily and seamlessly for the user, and 5) provides pattern recognition/fraud detection.

The service can range in complexity from verification against customer data, to developing and hosting authentication models. More specifically, the service:

• authenticates individuals, reducing the manual ID process to save time and money;
• helps develop a range of customer-defined authentication alternatives, from standard to custom, simple to advanced;
• assists in developing and communicating privacy policies;
• develops and hosts customer-branded registration web pages;
• develops, hosts and collects data through custom application forms;
• develops and hosts custom authentication algorithms;
• includes data from remote customer sites in the authentication process;
• offers exception processing of marginal and rejected applicants; and
• links to other Equifax Secure e-commerce solutions.

The authentication technology is part of a suite of e-commerce solutions developed by Equifax Secure to help build privacy, security and trust for e-commerce over the Internet and other networks. The e-commerce solution enables enterprises to authenticate consumer identity, secure business applications and manage digital certificates and scalable directories through a trusted third party.

Companies across a range of industries can use the Equifax Secure e-commerce solutions to support multiple e-commerce applications, including, but not limited to: Consumer Direct: Home Banking; Bill Presentment and Payment and Online Customer Service; and Medical Records Access Control; Intra-Enterprise: Single Sign-On, Employee Benefits Management and Secure Document Exchange; and Business to Business: Purchasing, Procurement and Supply Chain integration.

About SFNB

With Security First Network Bank, the World’s First Internet Bank^TM (www.sfnb.com), customers can conduct transactions 24 hours daily, 365 days a year and have worldwide access to accounts and information by telephone (1-800-SFNB-321) or by using any device that connects to the Internet. The financial institution offers the broadest, most consolidated service available through electronic banking today. Convenience, service and simplicity are benefits that attract most customers who may first try Security First Network Bank as an enhancement to their existing bank. The ability to develop customized reports and conduct seamless interactions between checking, savings, borrowing and credit card accounts leads many to migrate all their services to SFNB. Headquartered in Atlanta, the Internet pioneer is the newest member of Royal Bank Financial Group, one of the oldest financial organizations in North America and Canada’s premier global financial services organization.

EQUIFAX (NYSE: EFX) is a worldwide leader in shaping global commerce by bringing buyers and sellers together through its information, transaction processing, consulting and knowledge-based businesses. Equifax serves the banking, financial, retail, credit card, transportation, telecommunications/utilities and healthcare industries and government. Founded in 1899, Atlanta-based Equifax today has 14,000 employees in 18 countries and sales in more than 45 countries. Revenues for the 12 months ended September 30, 1998, were more than $1.5 billion. For more Equifax information, visit the company's Internet web site at www.equifax.com.