Vasco, a digital security company, released a card reader with new audio-based technology called Digipass 837 at CeBit 2012 this week. This device is the newer generation of USB-based devices Vasco released in November of 2010 – Digipass 920.

An ally of Kony, Vasco released the Digipass 837 in order to protect both the sensitive information on a credit card during a transaction and reassure the user that the person with whom they conduct a business transaction does not steal their credit information or mischarge them. The device's acoustic feature allows the transmission of data from any computer, smart phone or tablet in the space of a few seconds.

The process does not require the installation of any drivers or software to your computer or smartphone. It is compatible with almost all such products currently on the market. The device offers both faster and more secure retail transfers than any previous digital payment solutions.

The audio feature converts an image on the screen readout into an audio signal. To execute a retail transaction using the Digipass, you need three things: a computer (smartphone, or digital tablet) your credit card, and the Digipass 837 device itself.

Here is how it works:

• Insert your credit or debit card into the Digipass device
• Place the Digipass, containing the credit card, within close proximity to the speakers of your digital device
• Enter the pertinent password and transaction information on the digital device
• Activate a "Scan" function on the Digipass
• Hit the "Submit" button on the digital device
• Using sound filtering techniques that allow it to operate effectively in the presence of background noise, the Digipass receives the information via WiFi (News - Alert)

According to Vasco, one of the most important advantages to the platform of exchange the Digipass 837 uses is that it drastically reduces the susceptibility of online transactions to "man-in-the-middle" (MTM) attacks. MTM attacks occur when, for example, customer A submits sensitive credit card information to retailer B. The two parties agree to transmit the information over a wireless network to which identity thief C also has access. Identity thief C intercepts this information.

You can see a live demo of VASCO Digipass 837 at the CeBIT (News - Alert) Convention until in Hall 12.