Executive Summary

DIGIPASS 835a combines all VASCO smart card reader functions including e-signature with EMV-CAP compliance. DIGIPASS 835a Optical Tan reduces the level of user interaction for authentication, resulting in increased user acceptance for e-signature in high-risk internet banking transactions.

Optical interface for a trusted enviroment

Since all transaction data are displayed in a trusted environment and approved (with a mandatory “OK” key press) by the end-user, DIGIPASS 835a offers a solution for new coming threats such as so-called man-in-the-PC and man-in-the-browser based frauds.

The optical interface is a feature that automatically downloads encrypted data from the PC display into DIGIPASS 835a. This feature increases the end-user's acceptance dramatically since a data transfer is completed within four seconds.

The interface does not require any software or driver as the communication is established through a flashing pattern on the user’s PC and the photo-transistors of DIGIPASS 835a. Customizable positioning icons on the overlay of DIGIPASS 835a enable the compatibility of the optical interface with any screen size and resolution.

1. Cardholders simply insert their standard EMV chip card into DIGIPASS 835a, and type their PIN for two-factor authentication (something they know, something they have).
2. Each time a user enters his PIN, a one-time password (OTP) is generated and displayed.
3. The user can type this dynamic, secure password to become authenticated over the bank’s network. This dynamic password cannot be used more than once and can only be verified by the issuing bank.

The verification of the OTP or e-signature demonstrates the cardholder’s identity and allows access to the network from any terminal on any platform.

DIGIPASS 835a can be used in conjunction with VASCO’s VACMAN Controller authentication platform. For payments, DIGIPASS 835a can also be integrated into the 3D-Secure architecture and allows the cardholder to sign some key data of the transaction.

Low cost of ownership

• Retail banks can make a smooth and cost effective transition when implementing strong authentication
• The existing investment in the EMV infrastructure will be leveraged
• No extra personalization required by the network owner which results in efficient high volume delivery
• Not necessary to issue new smart cards
• Security of a smart card, the flexibility of a device and the convenience of an optical interface
• Instantly personalized upon first use
• Substantial reduction in volume of helpdesk calls

Factory to field

As DIGIPASS 835a is platform-independent and does not require personalization prior to customer delivery, each reader is identical. Therefore production and distribution are very cost-effective.

• Display: High contrast, 12 character, 2-line LCD (1 line 60x7 dot matrix line and 1 line of 7-segment characters). Optional: 80 x 16 dot matrix display (DP835A)
• Optical Interface: 5 photo transistors, 20 fps, 45° tilt angle
• Size: 85.8 mm (l), 63 mm (w), 14.8 mm (h)
• Weight: 65 gram
• Keypad: Tactile keypad with silicon rubber key printed with an epoxy layer. Resistant to over 100,000 rubbings. 10 numeric keys, 6 function keys
• Battery Lifetime: 5-year lifetime (dual 2430 battery cell)
• Standards
  • Mastercard CAP (2004, 2007)
  • VISA dynamic passcode authentication version 1.1
  • German Sm@rt TAN
  • Belgian eID Card
  • Banksys Unconnected reader specification (BKS M.010 version 1.3)
• Logo: the bank’s logo can be printed on the reader. Color of the casing can also be customized