Face authentication is a form of verifying a customer is who they say they are by performing a biometric scan of their face. Also known as facial recognition, this customer authentication technology matches the biometric data of the customer’s face with the faceprint data originally shared by that customer.
Today, this technology can also include an extra layer of security called a liveness detector. Basically, it protects against ID spoofing by having the user create specific movements or poses with their face, like smiling or blinking to verify they are present.
What are the other main types of authentication?
Financial institutions often use a blend of authentication solutions to ensure their customers are protected from fraudsters. This can include other biometrics, like a thumbprint, payment authentication, mobile authentication, and browser authentication.
Ideally, authentication should be kept up to date to offer strong security against fraud threats which are constantly evolving and growing more sophisticated.
Face authentication vs face recognition
Face authentication is used to determine the identity of a person when they want to gain access to a device like their laptop or an application on their mobile phone or a service, like making a peer-to-peer payment. in this case, the person’s face is matched against their own faceprint.
The purpose of facial recognition is to identify someone in a video, photo or in real-time. In this case, a faceprint is run through a database of faceprints, usually by a law enforcement agency or at an airport, for instance.
How does face authentication work when purchasing online?
When a customer is making a digital banking payment or wanting to add a trusted device like a new mobile phone, using face authentication can add an extra layer of security that differentiates real customers from a fraudster impersonating them.
Face authentication can also help streamline the account recovery process for customers, saving time and reducing costs for banks’ call centers. Banks may also choose to verify a customer’s identity with a face scan when they’re about to make a high-risk transaction.
How banks use face authentication:
Face authentication is increasingly used by banks and financial institutions to improve both security and customer experience. Below are some of the most common use cases:
1. Logging in to mobile banking apps Many banks allow customers to access their mobile banking apps using face authentication instead of passwords or PINs. This helps reduce the risk of credential theft while making login faster and more convenient.
2. Approving digital payments or high-risk actions Face authentication can be used as an additional layer of verification when a customer makes a high-risk payment, adds a new trusted device, or updates sensitive account information. This helps distinguish genuine customers from fraudsters attempting account takeover.
3. Remote onboarding and identity verification During account opening, banks can use face authentication combined with liveness detection to verify a customer’s identity. This helps customers complete onboarding remotely, without visiting a branch.
4. Account recovery and customer support If a customer loses access to their device or forgets their login details, face authentication can streamline the recovery process. This not only improves the customer experience but also reduces the load on call centers.
5. Preventing fraud and identity theft Because face authentication relies on unique biometric data, it helps prevent unauthorized access even if a customer’s login credentials are compromised. This makes it a strong defense against phishing, credential stuffing, and other types of digital banking fraud.