Press Release
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C)
25th September 2006
Citibank Will Introduce New Security Element for Internet banking
Beginning by November 2006, Citibank will further enhance the security of Citibank Online banking for clients with a new Security Key device.
“For us, security of clients’ information is amongst our highest priorities. We have observed recent attempts in the Czech Republic to illegally hack into consumers’ bank accounts. Citibank has used its global expertise to monitor the latest developments in the area of security-related systems. Our introduction of the Security Key is one of the measures adopted by Citibank with the aim to enhance our clients‘ security and safety,“ said Bert Pijls, Head of Citibank Retail Banking Division.
All clients of Citibank Online Internet banking will login into the system as usual with their user name and password and then additionally will enter a one time numeric code generated by the Security Key. Upon each login, one time numeric code will be generated for each user. The Security Key is further protected by a four-digit PIN code that is chosen by each user upon his/her first login.
Existing clients-users can apply for their Security Key through the Web, by phone or, in person at Citibank branches. Subsequently, their Security Key will be mailed to them. New clients will obtain this authentication key automatically upon the opening of their account. Commencing on January 1, 2007, it will not be possible to login into Citibank Online Internet banking without the use of a Security Key. A one-time fee of CZK 450 will be charged for the issue of a Security Key. If application for the issue of the Key is lodged before the end of November, each applicant will pay just CZK 250.
Further information for clients is available by calling 800 112 200.
For more information please contact:
Markéta Dvořáčková Andrea Machálková
Public Affairs Officer Communications Executive
Tel: 233 061 041 Citibank a.s.
Mobil: +724 356 358 Tel.: 233 062 781
e-mail: -mail:
Note for editors:
Citibank a.s. has been present in the Czech republic since 1991. The Bank has rapidly gained its position of the market leader in corporate banking and, Citibank’s offering of products and services has been gradually enhanced to include also small and medium-sized companies. Citibank a.s. entered the retail banking business in January of 2001 and, a number of products and services are offered to Citibank clients ever since, such as personal accounts, credit cards, personal loans, investing into mutual funds as well as CitiGold, the private banking services. For additional information about Citibank a.s. please refer to the following web site:
Citigroup (NYSE: C), the preeminent global financial services company has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage, and asset management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex. Additional information may be found at
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