Natural Security Alliance launches new specifications for authentication standard

The Natural Security Alliance has just released the newest specifications for its strong authentication standard.

According to the company, the standard defines a strong authentication method, for payment and access to services, across all channels, without compromising security or privacy. This authentication method combines local biometric verification, a personal device and wireless technology, and can be implemented into various form factors, including a smartcard, micro-SD Card, mobile phone, secure element and token.

The latest specifications are the result of a working group of key retailers, banks, vendors and payment specialists involved in Natural Security Alliance since 2008 and represent 180 man-years of development, the group said in an announcement.

The newly released core specifications define the architecture and the different components required to enable a transaction based on a wireless acceptance device used by an acceptance user and a wireless personal device used by an individual.

Previous specifications were tested in a 6-month consumer pilot carried out in France, which gave more than 900 customers the opportunity to test the first implementation of the Natural Security standard for proximity payments.

According to the company, and reported previously in BiometricUpdate.com, the trial showed that the public both accepted and adopted this biometric authentication method for proximity payments – with 94% of participants saying they were ready to use this means of payment for all purchases in superstores and smaller shops.

Natural Security announced the launch of its alliance in November 2013. It includes membership from the retail, banking, payments and IT spaces.  

Natural Security was also recently been named a Privacy by Design ambassador, by the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Canada. 

More information on the new specifications is available from the Natural Security Alliance website. 

Article Topics

authentication  |  Natural Security  |  Natural Security Alliance