MasterCard bets on selfie security

Forget a password. The future of protecting online shoppers could be selfies. MasterCard is launching new technology so customers can use selfies to approve online purchases. The credit card company

News 12 Staff

Feb 23, 2016, 6:52 PM

Updated 3,229 days ago

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Forget a password. The future of protecting online shoppers could be selfies.
MasterCard is launching new technology so customers can use selfies to approve online purchases.
The credit card company says selfies and fingerprint scans are safer than typed passwords especially since many of our passwords are easy for scammers to guess. Company officials says their MasterCard Identity Check App has customers take a selfie each time you buy something online. Your face or fingerprint will be scanned to prove it's you spending the money and not a scammer.
But you won't be able to use the same picture over and over. MasterCard makes you blink to show that you are taking that picture as you shop.
The fingerprint scan is a little easier especially if you have a new iPhone with the technology already built in.
MasterCard is also researching ways to use your heartbeat and scans of your eyes to authenticate purchases.
It's not just MasterCard that's looking for new ways to prevent fraud. HSBC customers will soon be able to use your fingerprint and voice to access money.