Brits back biometric options, Equifax survey

Brits are keen to use biometric verification in a wide range of circumstances, including online shopping and banking, according to research from Equifax.

The company surveyed 2,000 people. 71% would be happy to completely replace traditional security methods to access their mobile phones in favour of fingerprint ID, facial recognition or eye retina patterns. Other popular scenarios include accessing their laptops or tablets (64%), verifying their age at bars, clubs or shops (60%) and voting in elections (58%).

Respondents were more wary when it came to using biometrics to withdraw cash (46%), start their car (45%) or unlock their front door (41%). The fingerprint is considered the most secure form of verification (31%), with 30% expecting it to become the most prevalent in the next decade, followed by facial recognition (18%) and eye retina patterns (17%).

Keith McGill, Head of ID & Fraud at Equifax, says: “As the rise in financial fraud continues, particularly when it comes to identity theft, it’s essential we develop and embrace new and innovative means to protect consumers. The techniques being used to scam Brits are increasingly sophisticated, and breaking into the old world of signatures and pin codes is bread and butter for today’s fraudsters.”

“Further implementation of biometric options within the financial services sector will go a long way to tackle this. Tapping into our unique biological passcodes can help businesses and consumers stay ahead of the curve, and as the technology develops, it will become even more widespread, trusted and popular in the years to come.”