In response to a growing demand for advanced security solutions among mobile device users, VeriSign, Inc., is putting its VeriSign® Identity Protection (VIP) strong authentication into the hands of millions more users.

VeriSign today announced that the latest release of VIP Access for Mobile is now available for Apple® iPod touch®, additional BlackBerry® smartphones, and devices running the Windows Mobile® operating system -- in addition to hundreds of mobile devices supporting J2ME, the most ubiquitous application platform for mobile devices. The application already supports Apple iPhone®, BlackBerry smartphones and mobile devices from Nokia, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Sanyo, Pantech and more.

VIP Access for Mobile is a free mobile application that now transforms more than 200 different mobile devices into VIP authentication credentials. VIP Authentication Service -- also known as strong or two-factor authentication -- offers an additional layer of protection to any number of employees, partners or customers -- anyone who needs highly secure remote access to an organization's network. Two-factor authentication works by requiring each user to provide not just a username and password but also a unique one-time six-digit security code generated by a user's VIP authentication credential.

"Today, VeriSign is dramatically extending the global distribution channel of VIP authentication by adding millions more potential end-users via these additional mobile devices," said Kerry Loftus, vice president of User Authentication at VeriSign. "With the latest release of VIP Access for Mobile, we're accelerating the ubiquitous adoption of strong authentication by making it fast, easy and free for mobile subscribers to install and use. Our support of these additional smartphones will help enterprises deploy strong authentication among their employees, partners and customers at virtually no cost to them."

The latest release of the easy-to-install VIP Access for Mobile application features an enhanced download and activation process -- with no text messaging required -- making it easier than ever to quickly enjoy the protection of VIP authentication globally on VIP-enabled Web sites. Additionally, support for simple copy/paste of a security code and credential ID into a mobile browser or application enhances the user experience.

VIP Access for Mobile is available today for:

-- Apple iPod touch and iPhone users from the Apple® App Store(SM) by searching the Business category for "VIP Access." Users can also download from the iTunes® App Store and sync their iPhone or iPod touch

-- BlackBerry smartphones on BlackBerry App World(TM) at www.BlackBerry.com/AppWorld

-- Windows Mobile device users, as well as J2ME phone users, at http://m.verisign.com

When online businesses protect their sites and users with VIP authentication, they become members of the unique VIP Network, which allows users to use a single security credential to authenticate themselves across any VIP-enabled Web site. With the cloud-based VIP service, enterprises and online businesses lower their total cost of ownership, speed deployment of two-factor authentication, and improve ease of use for IT administrators and end users.