Two mobile devices adopt Natural Security Alliance standard

Natural Security Alliance recently announced the launch of two connected devices implementing its Natural Security standard.

The two devices have been developed for proximity payment projects to enable users to pay with a strictly personal device that was designed specifically for payment transactions and that delivers strong authentication without compromising security or personal data protection.

The Natural Security standard combines biometrics, used to approve transactions, with a personal connected device. These personal devices are provided by two manufacturers, UINT (WIBiMi) and Trust Designer (TeDeGO). The devices are designed on open specifications and are currently being evaluated for certification. They exemplify the operational, open nature of the standard.

Based on the Natural Security standard, these connected devices enable merchants to implement a single interface for fast strong authentication that can accept multiple payment methods (e.g. digital wallet, EMV). This is particularly critical as merchants and service providers contend with a growing number of new payment methods and digital wallets.

The multitude of interfaces has a direct impact on the back office, forcing stores to make difficult choices. At the same time, new payment solutions are being positioned farther upstream in the value chain, raising the question of how transaction information should be shared.

The simple user experience created by the Natural Security standard, which requires no handling of the payment device and uses biometric traits to approve the operation, makes for quick transactions that can be easily adopted by users. The standard is therefore a solution to the diversity of user experiences that directly impacts merchants and front office personnel by increasing transaction time and eliminating any productivity gains otherwise produced by combining payment with loyalty programms and coupons.

Last year, the Biometrics Research Group, which publishes BiometricUpdate.com, predicted that worldwide mobile payment transactions would reach US$250 billion in 2014. The research consultancy also estimates that global annual transactions will hit US$750 billion by 2020, with more than 700 million consumers taking advantage of mobile payment systems.

Mobile payment transaction growth, combined with biometrics, will ensure increased speed of mobile commerce, especially in North America, because the technology can offer a higher level of security, while providing an intuitive customer experience.

In a previous special report focused exclusively on mobile biometric authentication, the research consultancy predicted that the inclusion of biometrics in mobile devices will generate about US$9 billion worth of revenue for the biometrics industry by 2018.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  consumer  |  financial services  |  mobile