Gemalto, a player in digital security, has acquired Valimo Wireless Oy, a leading player in mobile authentication. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Valimo has pioneered the use of two-channel, two-factor authentication based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), combining an over the air platform (OTA) with a software client in the SIM to generate a legally binding electronic signature, any time, any place. Valimo enables mobile phone users to securely authenticate themselves, digitally sign documents and confirm legally binding transactions simply by entering a self-chosen passphrase or a PIN code. Valimo Mobile ID solution facilitates secure online banking, mobile payments, governmental services, electronic and mobile commerce, and identity and access rights management for enterprise applications.
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Valimo has been a Gemalto partner for five years. Olivier Piou, Chief Executive Officer, Gemalto, said, “Mobile digital signature has been on the horizon for a few years and we believe that we have now reached a tipping point. Whether it is a high-end smartphone or a more basic phone, the one digital object consumers always have with them is their mobile phone, and they clearly express their desire to use it more and more for convenience in their daily life. Enabling people to conveniently sign legally-valid transactions is opening up a whole range of new applications for the mobile, at the service of citizens.”
Juha Murtopuro, Valimo CEO said, “The key ingredient in a successful mobile PKI launch is bringing together mobile operators, banks and governmental agencies. Going forward, Valimo will be able to leverage Gemalto’s customer relationships in these domains to successfully deploy mobile strong authentication. We are happy as we believe this combination will accelerate the deployment of Mobile ID, including into new territories and new markets such as e-banking and government services”.