News

Alliance releases strong authentication spec for 'natural' security

March 18, 2014

The Natural Security Alliance has released specifications for its world's-first strong authentication standard, the organization has announced. The standard involves access to services across all payment and financial access channels.

The Natural Security Alliance is a global community of major companies dedicated to accelerating the adoption and ongoing development of natural security technology-based (i.e., biometric) solutions.

The new authentication method combines local biometric verification, a personal device and wireless technology. It can be implemented into various form factors — smart card, micro-SD card, mobile phone, secure element and token.

The newly released core specifications define the architecture and components required to enable a transaction based on a wireless acceptance device used by a retailer or FI, and a wireless personal device used by an individual.

A six-month consumer pilot carried out in France gave more than 900 customers the opportunity to test the first implementation of the Natural Security standard for proximity payments. The trial showed consumer willingness to accept and adopt this biometric authentication method for proximity payments; 94 percent of participants said they were ready to use this means of payment.

"From the beginning we contributed to the natural security standard in order to help develop the authentication method needed for our customers," said Pierre Lahbabi, global head of marketing and innovation/cards and innovative payments at BNP Paribas. "As a bank, we are always looking for standardized solutions. Thus, we are proud to be a founding member of the Natural Security Alliance as it is the right structure to consolidate an ecosystem with or based on this new authentication method."