FIS introduces Worldpay 3D Secure biometric authentication for online, mobile payments

Mar 10, 2020 | Luana Pascu

FIS introduces Worldpay 3D Secure biometric authentication for online, mobile payments

FIS has released a new biometric 3D Secure (3DS) authentication service dubbed 3DS Flex to help merchants comply with PSD2 Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) deadlines in the European Economic Area and in the UK, the company announced.

3DS Flex provides intelligent switching and protects against online fraud by analyzing information such as geolocation data and shopper history to verify identity online or on a mobile device. It leverages biometric authentication such as face ID and fingerprint and other advanced technologies to keep the authentication process simple, if the payment is low risk or with a trusted merchant. Merchants using 3DS Flex can authenticate payment internationally, not just in SCA-mandated markets.

The solution was developed by Worldpay, which was recently purchased by FIS. 3DS Flex assists global eCommerce retailers and merchants in fraud prevention, it reduces cart abandonment and maximizes payment authorizations.

The initial 3DS1 protocol will be replaced by 3DS2 that uses advanced technology to deliver a seamless payment experience on mobile devices. Most banks already support 3DS1, but 3DS2.1 and the latest 2.2 protocols are already implemented by an increasing number of financial institutions. Worldpay solution applies the latest 3DS2.2 standards to authenticate cardholders online.

“Regardless of the SCA timeframe announced by local regulators, we are ready to help businesses become compliant and apply SCA, so they can offer an improved authentication experience and minimize unnecessary declines or abandonment,” said Charles Damen, SVP of Product Strategy, Worldpay Merchant Solutions at FIS in a press release. “In an increasingly competitive ecommerce environment, it’s vital for merchants to consistently maximize payment acceptance. Being the first to offer the latest in security authentication with 3DS2.2 will allow our merchants to offer a slick, secure shopping experience to their consumers.”

A survey from last October showed 22 percent of retailers had yet to take any action to improve their authentication practices, despite the official deadline for SCA having already passed.