NatWest and RBS employ biometrics for customer login

A gradual transition towards biometric authentication is continuing after it was revealed that two banks in the UK are enabling customers to log in using recognition technology employed by Apple’s iPhone.

In order for customers to use  the feature, they are required to activate it with their personal security information from within the NatWest or RBS mobile banking applications. They will then be able to use the Apple Touch ID fingerprint sensor to log in. Three failed attempts, however, would mean that the customer will need to re-enter their passcode.

The Apple Touch ID made its first appearance in 2013, but this specific feature can be employed by anyone with an iPhone 5S through to 6 Plus, along with the required apps, currently being used by 880,000 UK customers.

The news from the banks comes when biometrics are proving to gain ground among other companies; Microsoft, for instance, recently revealed that it would employ the technology to allow users of Windows 10 to sign in without being required to enter a password.

This type of technology not only makes life easier for the customer, but also improves security in an age where personal data has been compromised in a big way at some very well-known companies. A typical SME may not be in a position to employ state-of-the-art technology, but it can certainly look at its IT recruitment policy with a view to taking on more cyber security staff. Recent events suggest that it should be a bigger priority than some business owners perceive it to be.