Smart devices 'will include biometric security solutions'

31 July 2012

Posted by Samuel Couratin

Biometric technology will become a "must have" feature of smart mobile devices in the future, it has been forecast.

Predictions published by Goode Intelligence suggest the security systems will be included on electronic gadgets, with the firm noting that Apple has announced plans to purchase fingerprint sensor specialist AuthenTec.

Alan Goode, Founder and Managing Director of the London-based company, suggested this evidence backs up forecasts made in 2011 anticipating there would be 39 million users in the mobile biometric security market by 2015.

He declared: "This was based on the expectation that initial growth would come from two biometric modalities - embedded fingerprint sensors and voice biometrics."

Its latest report covering the period from 2011 to 2015 suggests the purchase of Siri by Apple in 2010 has provided it with the opportunity to move into the voice biometrics sector, covering technology such as smartphones, tablet computers and TVs.

Goode Intelligence also predicts verification solutions could be used for remote services, including mobile payments and for safeguarding confidential or sensitive data.

Mr Goode added: "We wouldn't be surprised if we start to see fingerprint sensors appearing in future Apple products."

Biometric technology is also being rolled out in the South African banking industry, with the news recently released that social grant claimants in the country have been issued with over 2.5 million South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Debit MasterCards.

Intended to improve the security and convenience of social grant payments, the cards are being issued by Net1 and Grindrod Bank alongside SASSA, with the rollout commencing in March this year.

Identifiers included on the cards include fingerprints and personal information, reducing the risk of fraud and unlawful collection of grants.

“;The biometric information positively identifies the beneficiaries of state welfare grants and provides greater convenience, safety and security for recipients," explained Net1 Chairman and Chief Executive, Serge Belamant.