HyperTrust is a Belgian internet security company that sees itself as a Trust Application Service Provider (ASP). Founded in May 1999 by three engineers, HyperTrust aims to be the first European Application Service Provider to develop a new internet platform for secured communications and transactions on the basis of digital signatures. HyperTrust believes that deficient transaction security is a major restraint on the growth of e-commerce and e-business. The company is not satisfied with existing security solutions, pointing to their cost, software and/or hardware installation as well as low user-friendliness. Hypertrust claims to counter these problems by providing security services through an ASP model: the customer rents secured infrastructure, eliminating the need to purchase and install software. The start-up is taking aim at online communities, marketplaces, ASPs, medium-size and large businesses that are involved in online transactions. As of February 2, 2006, Hypertrust NV is a subsidiary of Telenet Holding NV.