Iris OnWatch Identity Protection Platform Provides Peace of Mind for Travelers
18 July 2016TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY | ROBIN AMSTER | JULY 18, 2016
Graphic courtesy of Thinkstock
Generali Global Assistance (GGA) has unveiled Identity Protection Services designed specifically for the travel industry.
The launch, at the 2016 Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) convention in Denver, comes in conjunction with the company’s introduction of its Iris OnWatch Identity Protection Platform www.IrisIdentityProtection.com. Bethesda, Md.-based GGA is part of the multinational Generali Group, a global insurance and financial products company.
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“National and international travel is fraught with identity theft risks, and as such our goal is to provide businesses with the tools to allow their customers and employees peace of mind while away from home,” said Paige Schaffer, president and COO of Generali Global Assistance’s Identity and Digital Protection Services Unit.
According to GGA, international travel represents one of the highest risks for identity theft. When individuals travel, they access data via unsecured sources which puts them at risk. They are also more likely to lose mobile devices, wallets and other items that, if taken, can result in identity theft, it explained.
GGA cited findings by Javlin of Pleasanton, Calif., a research-based consulting firm, which calls Europe and South Asia the highest risk regions for identity theft where travelers are about twice as likely to have their identity stolen.
Iris OnWatch provides identity theft resolution services so that victims can repair problems quickly and easily, which is critical while traveling abroad, according to GGA. Iris provides 24/7 multilingual services to victims regardless of their location around the world.
Services include liasing with local authorities, filing international police reports, securing emergency cash in local currencies, contacting embassies, translating official documents, canceling lost or stolen credit cards, and directly purchasing transportation and hotel accommodations.
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Also provided are identity theft prevention solutions, including downloadable digital privacy protection software that can mitigate risks when people are traveling and using unsecured networks. Monitoring capabilities and alerting system are designed for both national and international travel.
Individuals are immediately alerted and can monitor the status of their credit profiles, compromised credentials, and any potential damaging use of personal information through a comprehensive online portal accessible through mobile devices.