Biometric identification can help to overcome the typical problem facing industries, where introducing more rigorous security imposes delays on customer services and worsens the experience, says cybersecurity multinational Gemalto Africa Banking & Payments marketing manager Viwe Ndzamela.

Advanced technology and increasing mobility are enabling industries to develop and deliver integrated environments for their consumers. Instead of choosing whether to make transactions smoother or more secure, companies can provide additional authenticating measures while improving user experience, he says.

“Biometrics are unique identifiers that are always with us, are difficult to steal and can act as a genuine authenticator. Proving identity is possible when biometrics are properly implemented, as payments and other transactions can be tied back to the authorised user. This protects consumers and enterprises from fraud,” adds Ndzamela.

More companies are accepting and have become increasingly receptive to biometric identity verification technologies. In Gemalto’s worldwide survey in 2016, 38% of banks named biometrics as one of their top three priorities.

“According to our 2016 survey, 55% of respondents are already using biometrics or are keen to do so. About 80% said biometric authentication is more secure than traditional username and password methodologies, 41% consider it more convenient, and 25% believe that it saves time.”

To capitalise on this sentiment and improve transaction security, companies can use EMV (Europay, Mastercard and Visa) smart cards, which are secure and reliable forms of electronic identification, states Ndzamela.

However, to provide a high degree of confidence in identity verification, biometric technology is considered increasingly essential in a secure identification system design.

Combining smart card technology with biometrics allows for the creation of a positive binding of the smart card – a so-called difficult-to-clone token – with the cardholder. The combination of card and verification of the cardholder’s identity through biometrics enables strong verification and authentication, he explains.

However, the methods of authentication must be use-case appropriate and reassessed as payment behaviour changes. Biometric forms of authentication are not the only solution, but banks can use biometrics in combination with EMV smart cards to provide a convenient and more secure customer experience, he concludes.