Page 18 - Security Today, May/June 2021

COVER STORY
Consumer Applications
Among the biggest adopters of the touch-free experience is the banking segment. Consumers have embraced the convenience of online and mobile transactions at traditional banks and the latest all-digital financial institutions, especially during the global health crisis. The latest authentication solutions protect data and transac- tions while delivering a seamless experience for the consumer and maximum flexibility for banks. This includes the option of cloud- based authentication services that remove the complexity of pro- viding multifactor authentication to a growing and diverse user population while also offering the convenience and efficiency of centralized regulatory compliance audits. These authentication op- tions include mobile apps that allow users to verify access requests and transactions in an intuitive and easy-to-use manner.
Authentication is also important to consumers purchasing rare collectible items, and this has become a touchless experience, as well. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), a division of Collectors Universe, embeds HID’s trusted NFC tags into its coins and the sonically sealed, tamper-evident holders into which they are encapsulated.
“We want collectors to be confident that when they have PCGS-authenticated, -graded, and -encapsulated coins and banknotes in their hands, they are holding an authentic and valu- able collector’s item,” said Brett Charville, president of PCGS.
With a simple tap of a phone to the coin, the collector au-
thenticates the coin through HID’s cloud authentication service, in real time. Each tap generates a unique cryptographic one-time URL that automatically launches Collectors Universe’s propri- etary PCGS Cert Verification app or opens a web browser to display information about the coin’s or banknote’s authenticity. Since each tap generates a unique URL, the information cannot be cloned or manipulated by a counterfeiter.
A third example of today’s new touch-free experiences for con- sumers is the completely contact-free dining experiences offered by UK-based qiiosk Ltd. through its MenuTile offering. HID NFC Tags facilitate the end-user interactions with qiiosk’s placards. Restaurant goers simply scan the QR code or tap the embedded NFC tag with an NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet to securely access menus, order- ing, and payment options. Customers can access up-to-the-minute menus and place orders for in-person, takeaway, or delivery dining.
Moving forward, biometrics are poised to become even more mainstream to further advance the security and convenience of these touch-free experiences. Whether it is opening doors, print- ing documents, interacting with connected buildings and digital consumer services, or implementing physical distancing and con- tact tracing protocols, touch-free trusted-identity technologies have proven that they are here to stay.
Stephen Carney is vice president of product marketing, Physical Access Control Solutions with HID Global.
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MAY/JUNE 2021 | SECURITY TODAY 3/4/21 8:30 PM