Expert says South Africa ahead on biometric uptake

South Africa is ahead on biometric uptake. That pronouncement emerged from a briefing for financial sector representatives conducted in Johannesburg on June 1, 2012. The event was hosted by Ideco, a biometric identity control specialist, and Stanley Security Solutions.

Ideco managing director Marius Coetzee noted that South Africa businesses have adopted biometric technology to identify over 2.5 million employees around the country. Specifically, biometric fingerprint technology was found to be the most effective and mature identity verification tool compared to using numerical personal identification numbers and passwords. An estimated 150 billion rand was reportedly lost from local organizations because of identity-based fraud, highlighting the vulnerability of using cards, PINs and passwords.

Mr. Coetzee also made mention of other benefits offered by using biometric identity management, including better staff control, tracking of transactions and logistics, and resource deployment.

Do you think South Africa is adopting biometrics faster than the rest of the world?

Article Topics

authentication  |  biometrics  |  financial services  |  fingerprint recognition  |  identity management  |  identity theft  |  workforce management