Vodacom today announced Voice Password - its new biometric solution allowing subscribers to use their voices to provide security access.
In a statement released today, the operator said the service is the first of its kind in SA, and customers can register to use it either through the My Vodacom app or the 111 or 082 111 call centre.
"Once successfully registered and the sample voiceprint has been recorded, Voice Password is ready for use. In future interactions, all that is needed is to repeat a pass-phrase for the system to verify against the recorded voice print. Access will then either be granted, or in the instance that the voice print is not recognised, the user will be informed that they have provided invalid credentials," the operator said.
Dee Nel, managing executive of Vodacom Customer Care, said: "Logging in can be a tedious experience - it's always been a necessary but somewhat inconvenient process. Voice Password changes this and gives Vodacom customers a simpler, worry-free customer experience. It's a great example of using technology in a win-win, increasing convenience and at the same time improving security."
Vodacom added the non-intrusive nature of the technology, supported by deployment at some of the world's largest enterprises, is pushing the adoption of voice biometrics into the mainstream. "Research has shown that 80% of consumers view voice biometrics positively due to the secure and convenient authentication experience."
The company said voice biometrics would provide an additional option for combating identity theft and fraud. "It is extremely difficult to forge someone's voice. Dialect, speaking styles, and pitch differ from person to person, making attempts to impersonate a voice or provide recordings to gain fraudulent authentication impossible due to the distinctive details of the voice print recorded at set up," the statement read.
The feature is currently available to all Android users using the My Vodacom app, while Vodacom said an iPhone version will be launched soon.
Vodacom Customer Care offers the service to customers who have chosen English as a preferred language, with a rollout programme to all clients coming in the near future.
Share