Sionic Mobile, a mobile commerce leader, announced it has partnered with AuthenticID, a leading technology company specializing in identity authentication solutions, to integrate catfishAir into both upcoming versions of ION Rewards and Shop2Give consumer apps. On release, both apps will be first to protect consumers using facial recognition for identity authentication during account setup.
Biometric technology has been used for decades as a reliable and accurate individual identification tool by using behavioral and physiological traits for personal identification. Two people cannot have the same unique biometrics, even identical twins. Together, Sionic Mobile and AuthenticID are incorporating this same identification tool (biometric facial recognition) into the ION Rewards and Shop2Give apps to ensure each user is verified, and he or she is who they say they are.
“With the growing number of attacks from increasingly sophisticated fraudsters, it is no surprise that security remains the number one cited reason consumers are reluctant to use mobile payments to complete purchases,” said Ronald Herman, CEO and founder of Sionic Mobile. “Mobile payments, in the long run, can only be secure if there is a strong authentication mechanism in place. We must be able to bind the identity of the user to the authorization of the transaction.”
“We take these security concerns seriously, and in response, we’ve added yet another layer of security to our existing 15-point fraud detection system. Biometric facial recognition technology validates the identity of every one of our app users ensuring the integrity of each transaction. As a result of our aggressive security measures, ION Rewards and Shop2Give are the only apps featuring mobile payments that guarantee good funds to merchants and nonprofits by eliminating chargebacks and returns.”
Authentication is fast and easy. On sign-in, users select the “Verified Account” feature and are asked to present a state-issued driver’s license. Users hold their phones over the ID briefly, flip to the back when prompted, then hold the phone for an automated selfie. The catfishAir cloud software then automatically verifies and confirms users’ identities.
“We are pleased to partner with Sionic Mobile in launching the industry’s first apps featuring mobile payments that uses facial recognition biometrics to authenticate users,” said Blair Cohen, CEO of Authentic ID. “A recent mobile payments and fraud survey conducted by CNP found that 32 percent of merchants believe fraud prevention specific to mobile is necessary, and view mobile as riskier than standard e-commerce transactions. Sionic Mobile’s comprehensive approach to security and fraud detection is one of the most aggressive stances we’ve seen in the mobile industry. Joining forces with a company that shares our commitment to using innovative technology to stop fraudsters was paramount in our decision.”
