[May 22, 2013] Security expert warns against using alternative authentication methods to secure customers' personal data Tweet May 22, 2013 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- SecurEnvoy is today warning that using alternative authentication methods to secure customers' personal data is unreliable and unsafe. Using a mobile phone as the token still remains the safest and most reliable option for businesses that use authentication technology. SecurEnvoy, the provider of two-factor authentication, is introducing the new Version 7 of its software and maintains that utilising existing mobile devices is still the most reliable and safest method for authentication. Last week, PayPal's security chief claimed that Apple is planning to use fingerprint technology as identification for the new iPhone 6. In addition to this, Barclays bank has outlined its plans to introduce voice recognition software as a security method for some of its wealthiest customers. It reported that customers that had trialled the software said it was 93 per cent secure. "Unfortunately, a 93 per cent security rate just isn't good enough in any industry especially one as sensitive as banking," said Andy Kemshall, co-founder and technical director at SecurEnvoy. "Voice recognition software is still in its infancy and it'll be at least a decade until it becomes a viable option for businesses to incorporate. Similar can be said for most biometric technology in its current state. "Using a mobile app or preloaded SMS authentication is still the most effective and secure method for consumers accessing their personal data. It's not only more secure, it also provides business grade 99.9% reliability and prevents replication from unwanted users." The new Version 7 solution allows users to authenticate their way. They can choose from a range of authentication options, including SMS, smartphone apps, tablet apps, laptop apps and even land lines. The landline option offers users a new way of entering a displayed one time code on the phone's keypad after receiving a landline call. This can be used on both land lines and mobile phones. SecurEnvoy's two-factor authentication is a 'tokenless' solution and users can simply use their mobile device, tablet or laptop as a means of authentication. It allows users to switch between the selected device at any time while automatically deleting the previous device rendering it safe to sell or dispose. This creates an even safer and convenient user experience while allowing users to upgrade or replace their mobile phone or device without any additional helpdesk calls or cost. Notes to editors: Reviews of the new Version 7 solution are available upon request. About SecurEnvoy: SecurEnvoy is the trusted global leader of Tokenless® two-factor authentication. SecurEnvoy lead the way as pioneers of mobile phone based Tokenless® authentication. Their innovative approach to the Tokenless® market now sees millions of users benefitting from their solutions all over the world. With users deployed across five continents, their customers benefit from significant reduced time to deploy and a zero footprint approach means there is no remote software deployment and administrators enjoy the management tools allowing them to rapidly deploy up to 100,000 users per hour. With its channel centric approach, SecurEnvoy continues to expand its revenue and profitability year on year with customers in Banking, Finance, Insurance, Government, Manufacturing, Marketing, Retail, Telecommunications, Charity, Legal, Construction. Their integration partners include, Juniper, AEP, Sophos, Citrix, Fortinet, Cisco, Checkpoint, Microsoft, F5 and others. Joe Hawke Berkeley PR www.berkeleypr.co.uk Tel: 0118 909 0909 Twitter: @jcrhawke LinkedIn: Joe Hawke Facebook: www.facebook.com/berkeleypr ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.com on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]