Unique technology combines voice and facial recognition with mobile passcodes for superior security
Xura, a provider of secure digital comms services, has announced it is working alongside specialist in voice biometrics, speech recognition, and mobile authentication, SpeechPro, to pilot biometric technology.
The pair will offer enterprise customers, particularly those in the financial services sector, the ability to provide secure facial recognition and voice authentication within a mobile app, alongside, and in combination with, traditional passwords.
By combining voice and face recognition with the ability to detect facial movements and verbally enter a passcode, any businesses can securely authenticate transactions via strong voice and video procedures, which is especially relevant for financial sector services said Xura. This, used in combination with one-time passcodes sent via text message, means the user is heavily authenticated, with the level of authentication going up depending on the type and value of the transaction.
“Entering complex passwords or one-time passcodes into a mobile device to access an app can often be a frustrating experience,” said Armin Barbalata, SVP, secure communications at Xura. “Using biometrics instead of traditional passwords or codes can remove this roadblock and improve the ease of use. In addition, the combination of face and voice biometric analysis increases the accuracy of authentication, and provides additional security when connecting to apps that contain confidential data.”
A user can simply scan their face and voice using their smartphone’s built-in camera and microphone to gain access to an account or message. This ensures a user is genuine, and prevents fraudulent log-in attempts.
SpeechPro’s VoiceKey OnePass software can be added to an app or website so that, under specific scenarios (high value money transfers), the customer must pass several unique live anti-spoofing tests in order to login. In cases involving a number of people sharing the same terminal, SpeechPro’s technology can also recognise multiple users’ identities.
Barbalata continued: “Security and user experience are often considered to be at odds with each other, but the use of biometrics, specifically face and voice recognition, actually makes it easier to log in, with a greater level of protection. While passcodes can still play a part in the login process, users no longer have to remember them or carry a dongle wherever they go.”
Added Alexey Khitrov, president of SpeechPro: “Combining SpeechPro’s experience in voice intelligence and biometrics with Xura’s experience in secure messaging and multi-factor authentication, has presented the opportunity for a new service quite unique to the marketplace. We’re excited for the future of face and voice biometrics, and look forward to a continued relationship.”
The Xura and SpeechPro pilot will be demonstrated at Money20/20 Europe in Copenhagen, Denmark, from the 4 to 7 April.
