Introduction of “SMBC Safety Pass”, a security service for individual customers

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation has introduced “SMBC Safety Pass” as a new biometric authentication security service for its internet banking service “SMBC Direct” for individual customers.

The Bank has been taking security measures to prevent fraudulent withdrawals, such as requiring additional authentication with a registered phone number for both login and fund transfers on SMBC Direct. However, in response to the recent sophistication of fraudulent methods, the Bank is now offering a new security service using smartphone biometric authentication (hereinafter referred to as “SMBC Safety Pass”).

After registering for SMBC Safety Pass, customers can continue to enjoy the convenience of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking app. However, when logging in from other devices such as personal computers, biometric authentication with the registered device will be required. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized use by third parties and is the first initiative of its kind among Japanese banks.

Features of SMBC Safety Pass

• To use the service, customers need to register through the latest version of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking app
• After registering for the service, biometric authentication using the smartphone registered at the time of registration is required for both login using the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking app and login to SMBC Direct through an internet browser
• After registering for the service, the conventional one-time password for transactions such as transfers will no longer be required when logging in with SMBC Safety Pass

Service Overview

• Target Users: all customers using the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking app, limited to devices with biometric authentication functions; some devices may not be able to register even if they have biometric authentication functions
• Fees: free
• Registration Method: through the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking app
• Registration Limit: up to 1 smartphone per SMBC Direct contract; multiple SMBC Direct contracts can be registered on the same smartphone
• Cancellation Method: can be cancelled from the device registered for the service or by completing a prescribed identity verification process
• When using the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking app on a smartphone registered with SMBC Safety Pass:
  Authenticate with biometrics on the registered device and login is complete

• When logging in using SMBC Safety Pass on an internet browser:
  A QR code is displayed on a separate device. Read the QR code on the registered device and then authenticate with biometrics on the registered device. Return to the separate device to complete the login

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