National Notary Association Taps GeoTrust for Electronic Notarization Initiative Launching in Pennsylvania
Digital Certificate Leader Helps Combat Fraud, Forgery and Identity Theft with Secure Electronic Notary Seal
NEEDHAM, Mass., Jan. 31 -- GeoTrust, Inc., a leader in identity verification solutions for e-business and a leading issuer of digital certificates for online security, today announced the National Notary Association (NNA) has selected GeoTrust True Credentials® as a key element of the new National eNotary Registry System. The National Notary Association teamed up with GeoTrust and Microsoft to collaborate with the Pennsylvania Department of State and a special team of the Commonwealth's county recorders to develop the country's first National eNotary Registry and Electronic Notary Seal Program, which allow for real-time authentication of notaries and secure online delivery of verified electronic notary seals.
This statewide electronic notarization system, an historic first, will be launched on February 2, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The statewide system is aimed at streamlining business transactions between government officials and businesses, as well as increasing protection for the public against forgery and fraud.
"The National Notary Association chose GeoTrust as our partner based on the company's proven ability to very rapidly validate identities and to secure sensitive information passing over the Internet," said Richard Hansberger, director of eNotarization at the National Notary Association. "The company's strong track record will help boost user confidence in the eNotarization program and thus accelerate a nationwide implementation of the program."
Pennsylvania Blazes a Trail
Pennsylvania's Electronic Notary Seal (ENS) Program maintains the fundamental and protective components of notarization, and then goes a step beyond by incorporating real-time authentication of notaries via the National eNotary Registry. This process allows the creation of a fast, efficient notarization system, while ensuring a high level of security for recording electronic documents in the Commonwealth. The NNA is offering the ENS Program at no cost to all states.
GeoTrust True Credentials certificates through the ENS Program will provide a fast, easy and secure way for businesses and other organizations to verify the identities of users and to deliver electronic credentials that provide two-factor authentication and encrypt electronic transmissions. The solution does not require expensive hardware, helping to minimize infrastructure and set-up costs. It addresses the inherent security risks associated with simple password schemes, open email communications and hardware-based authentication solutions.
"It's fitting that we're here in historic Philadelphia, the city of so many firsts, to introduce the first statewide eNotary project," said Joan Lockhart, vice president, marketing at GeoTrust. "Although electronic signatures have been legal for some time, there hasn't been a widespread deployment of an important digital signature application like this. The new solution allows state regulators to request and receive digital certificates online, individually or in bulk quantities, for their notary officials. The GeoTrust True Credential solution of electronic verification and instant delivery of digital certificates gives notaries the highest levels of security and convenience available."
About the NNA
The National Notary Association (NNA), the preeminent organization for America's 4.5 million Notaries, is committed to the professional development of Notaries throughout the United States by providing education, support and advocacy. Established in 1957, The NNA educates law makers, businesses and state officials on best notarial practices and leads efforts to make necessary changes in state and federal frameworks.
About GeoTrust, Inc.
GeoTrust is a leader in identity verification and trust services for e- business, and the fastest growing Certificate Authority, according to market research firm Netcraft. Its products include web security services for secure e-commerce transactions, identity verification for consumers, managed security services for enterprises, digital signing for documents and computer code, and TrustWatch (http://www.trustwatch.com/), a free toolbar and search site that helps consumers recognize whether a site has been verified and is safe for the exchange of confidential information. With more than 100,000 companies worldwide using its technology for online security, GeoTrust has rapidly become the second largest digital certificate provider in the world. Visit www.geotrust.com/ for more information.
Media Contacts:
Joan Lockhart
GeoTrust, Inc.
781-292-4153
joanl@geotrust.com
Audrey O'Kelley
NNA
818-739-4025
aokelley@nationalnotary.org
Liz Serotte
Schwartz Communications, Inc.
781-684-0770
geotrust@schwartz-pr.com
Source: GeoTrust, Inc.
Web site: www.geotrust.com/
http://www.trustwatch.com/
