Royal Bank to Test Zero-Knowledge Systems’ Internet Privacy and Security Tools for Home Use
MONTREAL–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 15, 2001–
Select Royal Bank Customers to Receive Zero-Knowledge
Systems’ Freedom Privacy & Security Tools
Zero-Knowledge(R) Systems today announced that Royal Bank will begin a six-month pilot program in the fall offering selected customers the opportunity to try privacy and security tools for personal use with their computers at home.
The award-winning Freedom(R) software will allow users to secure different aspects of their Internet experience, such as alerting them of unauthorized attempts to connect to their personal computer, simplifying registrations when shopping online, preventing activity-tracking “cookies” from being stored on their computer, and sending personal information only when it’s the consumer’s choice.
“We’ve designed tools that average consumers can use in their own homes, to give them greater control over how they share their personal information when they do business, surf, or shop on the Internet,” said Hamnett Hill, Executive Vice President at Zero-Knowledge Systems. “Companies like Royal Bank have robust privacy and security measures in place for their web-based financial services. Our privacy tools give consumers added confidence when they enter the open marketplace of the Internet.”
Zero-Knowledge, which has been providing security and privacy enabling technologies and services for the past two years, is partnering with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and now financial institutions like Royal Bank to make their privacy and security tools available for distribution to customers. “We’re pleased to make our privacy and security tools available through organizations that want to help increase their customers’ positive experiences online,” Hill added.
“Our clients have come to trust the privacy and security of their information with Royal Bank when doing their banking online. We want to bring tools that offer privacy and security to other parts of their online experiences,” said Peter Cullen, Corporate Privacy Officer at Royal Bank.
As part of a direct mailing in the fall, Royal Bank will offer Zero-Knowledge’s Freedom Privacy & Security Tools for free to selected current and potential online banking customers. Based on customer feedback, Royal Bank will consider offering the tools to all its customers next spring 2002.
Cullen added: “People want more choice and control over what they reveal about themselves online. Royal Bank continues to work on many fronts to help customers feel more comfortable using new technology for their everyday needs, such as shopping and banking online. The easy-to-use tools developed by Zero-Knowledge put additional control over privacy and security in the hands of the consumer.”
About Zero-Knowledge Systems, Inc.
Zero-Knowledge(R) Systems (www.zeroknowledge.com) is a provider of security and privacy software and services. Zero-Knowledge equips Global 2000 organizations with the software and expertise to manage the security and privacy of corporate and customer information assets, build brand around consumer trust, and lower the cost of complying with global privacy regulations and industry standards. Headquartered in Montreal with offices in Redwood City, California, the company’s suite of products includes the Privacy Rights Management Center for secure and private management of customer and corporate data within organizations; the Zero-Knowledge Gateway for secure and private corporate Internet activities and communications; and the Freedom Privacy & Security Tools for personal privacy and security online. Journalists can visit the online pressroom at www.zeroknowledge.com/media.
About Royal Bank
Royal Bank of Canada (RY) is a diversified financial services company. It provides personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking, and transaction processing on a global basis. The company employs more than 57,000 people who serve more than 10 million personal, business and public sector customers in North America and in some 30 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.royalbank.com.
(Freedom(R) and Zero-Knowledge(R) are trademarks of Zero-Knowledge Systems, Inc. These trademarks may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other trademarks are sole property of their respective owners.)