Sony Bank Enhances Security by Introducing RSA FraudAction® Anti-Trojan Service

January 14, 2010

Sony Bank Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Financial Holdings, today announced its introduction of the RSA FraudAction® Anti-Trojan Service provided by RSA Security Japan Ltd. (RSA), following its introduction of RSA's Anti-Phishing Service. These additions are designed to enhance security and ensure a stable transaction environment for Sony Bank's customers.

The RSA FraudAction® Anti-Trojan Service identifies, blocks and shuts down areas targeted for infection by a Trojan horse, or Trojan*. This type of malware enables a hacker to access a target user's computer system for malicious purposes, such as stealing personal information and automatically sending e-mails to third parties via unauthorized access to the user's computer system via online networks.

Sony Bank provides its customers with information on malware, as well as offering software-based keyboards to allow a more stable and secure login to the bank's service websites. The anti-trojan service enables Sony Bank to detect and shut down areas of Sony Bank's service website that have been targeted by trojans. Furthermore, Sony Bank can notify customers about potential infections, providing them with information that helps them prevent trojan infections and reducing the spread of trojans.

* Malware, Trojans
Trojans are a type of malicious software, or malware, that installs on computers without the user's agreement, and then collects information and automatically send e-mails to third parties. Trojans may appears to be provide a desirable function but instead facilitate unauthorized access via e-mail or online networks. Trojan attacks may involve data erasure, modification and leakage. Trojans may also attack other computers and create "back doors" in software that allow remote access to a computer via online network.
Some trojans and other types of malware steal personal information and passwords for fraudulent purposes by tracking a user's keystrokes or locating data on desktops and hard disks, then automatically sending e-mails to third parties. The misuse of such fraudulently obtained information may result in significant damage.

** RSA and FraudAction are registered trademarks of RSA Security Inc.

Note: This is an English-language summary of a Japanese announcement made by Sony Bank on January 14, 2010. The summary was prepared by Sony Financial Holdings Inc. solely for the convenience of non-Japanese readers.