An online survey, conducted by YouGov, has found that UK customers are favouring the use of biometric security when they use services, such as banking.
A third (33%) of people from the survey would prefer to use fingerprint recognition as a security method to access their accounts, for example. A further 13% would like to use iris scanners, 7% facial recognition, and 3% voice recognition.
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Only 19% of people cited passwords as their favoured security method and just 13% selected memorable questions, indicating that consumers are suffering from password fatigue and want the convenience that biometrics can offer.
The research also shows that the technology available to consumers doesn’t reflect their preferences. Nearly two thirds of respondents with a bank account (64%) are currently unable to use fingerprint recognition to manage their finances, and 68% are unable to use voice recognition.
John Marsden, head of ID and fraud at Equifax, said: “With major data breaches and hacking scandals regularly making the headlines, people are losing trust in the protection passwords can offer. Consumers are embracing new technologies, and want to use these advances to provide them with extra security and easy access to their financial accounts.”
>See also: Are the Brits too trusting of biometric security?
“Mobile banking is the first choice for many consumers, and as mobile technology continues to evolve, banks and other financial providers must address the disparity between consumer demand for biometric security and its availability.”
“Biometrics offer consumers the combined advantage of security and convenience and are a great solution to password fatigue and PIN overload, but they are not a panacea. Even biometrics can be compromised and once that happens, it’s difficult to rectify. We believe multi-layered defences incorporating biometrics and device recognition are the best way forward for both security and a positive customer experience.”
