A two-factor authentication product company warning that using alternative authentication methods to secure customers’ personal data is unreliable and unsafe. Using a mobile phone as the token still remains the safest and most reliable option for businesses that use authentication technology.
SecurEnvoy is introducing the new Version 7 of its software and maintains that using existing mobile devices is still the most reliable and safest method for authentication.
Last week, PayPal’s security chief claimed that Apple is planning to use fingerprint technology as identification for the new iPhone 6. In addition to this, Barclays bank has outlined its plans to introduce voice recognition software as a security method for some of its wealthiest customers. It reported that customers that had trialled the software said it was 93 per cent secure.
Andy Kemshall, co-founder and technical director at SecurEnvoy, said: “Unfortunately, a 93 per cent security rate just isn’t good enough in any industry especially one as sensitive as banking. Voice recognition software is still in its infancy and it’ll be at least a decade until it becomes a viable option for businesses to incorporate. Similar can be said for most biometric technology in its current state.
“Using a mobile app or preloaded SMS authentication is still the most effective and secure method for consumers accessing their personal data. It’s not only more secure, it also provides business grade 99.9% reliability and prevents replication from unwanted users.”
The firm says its new Version 7 solution allows users to authenticate their way. They can choose from authentication options, including SMS, smartphone apps, tablet apps, laptop apps and even land lines.
The landline option offers users a new way of entering a displayed one time code on the phone’s keypad after receiving a landline call. This can be used on land lines and mobile phones.
SecurEnvoy describes its two-factor authentication as a ‘tokenless’ solution and users can use their mobile device, tablet or laptop as a means of authentication. It allows users to switch between the selected device at any time while automatically deleting the previous device rendering it safe to sell or dispose.
