Advertisment

AOL to sell ID tags to fight hackers

author-image
CIOL Bureau
New Update

NEW YORK: America Online will begin offering to sell members a security device and service that has been used to safeguard business computer networks, the world's largest Internet service provider said.



AOL, a unit of Time Warner Inc., signed a deal with Internet security company RSA Security Inc, to launch its new AOL PassCode, designed to add an additional layer of protection to member accounts.



PassCode users will be provided with a small handheld six-digit numeric code key.



To log onto an AOL account equipped with the service, users will have to type in the six-digits, which refresh on the device every 60 seconds, on top of using the regular password.



The code-key device will cost $9.95. Monthly service costs range from $1.95 to $4.95.



"AOL PassCode is like adding a deadbolt to your AOL account by automatically creating a new secondary password every 60 seconds," said Ned Brody, senior vice president of AOL Premium Services.



Hackers coined the term "phishing" in 1996 to refer to the act of swindling unsuspecting AOL customers into giving up their passwords through phony e-mails or instant messages.

tech-news