African Bank opts for biometrics

February 2013 Access Control & Identity Management

African Bank has strengthened its ability to fight identity fraud through a partnership with Muvoni Biometric & Smartcard Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the AltX listed Muvoni Technology Group.

The bank required technology to verify client identities against the Home Affairs National Identity System (HANIS), a facility made available by the SA Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC). Very simply, client identities are verified via HANIS by means of fingerprint scanners that are integrated into the bank’s core front-end system.

While a number of vendors were invited to recommend and submit fingerprint scanners for testing, Muvoni Biometric & Smartcard Solutions put forward the CSD200 from 3M Cogent. Fifty were piloted, and alternative makes and models were deployed for data-checking purposes.

After passing with flying colours, 1500 fingerprint scanners were rolled-out to African Bank branches around the country. By the end of 2012, a further 1500 will be in service.

The CSD200 fingerprint scanners are durable, ergonomically designed, lightweight and portable, as well as cost-effective, easy to operate and reliable. They’re also perfect for the pace of the financial services environment, where speed is key to managing the flow of clients and information. For example, a large active platen area (screen) and an auto capture function record data at 10 frames per second. At the same time, an advanced optical system blocks the ambient light for high quality flat impressions, improving functionality in well-lit banking halls. Fully imported, the fingerprint scanners are FBI and FIPS 201 PV certified. (FIPS is the Federal Information Processing Standard.)

Presently, the system is verifying the identities of approximately 1000 African Bank clients per day. Verifications are virtually instantaneous, enabling the bank to provide a hassle-free and seamless client experience. This is key to building brand equity and loyalty in the highly competitive financial services industry.

“In South Africa, counterfeit ID books, drivers’ licences and birth certificates are commonly used to perpetuate fraud. In our view, fingerprints are the most reliable means of verifying someone’s identity. They cannot lie; you are who they say you are!” says Stan Khan, MD of Muvoni Biometric & Smartcard Solutions. “At the Muvoni Technology Group, we have many years of experience in identity verification processes and systems, including background checks from MIE and criminal record checks from Afiswitch.”

According to Pieter Deyzel, African Bank’s project manager, Muvoni’s choice of fingerprint scanners and supporting software has helped reduce the incidence of identity-related fraud.

For more information, visit www.muvoni.com





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Defending against SIM swap fraud
Access Control & Identity Management
Mobile networks must not be complacent about SIM swap fraud, and they need to prioritise the protection of customers, according to Gur Geva, Founder and CEO of iiDENTIFii.

Read more...
Access Selection Guide 2024
Access Control & Identity Management
The Access Selection Guide 2024 includes a range of devices geared specifically for the access control and identity management market.

Read more...
Biometrics Selection Guide 2024
Access Control & Identity Management
The Biometrics Selection Guide 2024 incorporates a number of hardware and software biometric identification systems aimed at the access and identity management market of today.

Read more...
Smart intercoms for Sky House Projects
Nology Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry)
DNAKE’s easy and smart intercom solution has everything in place for modern residential buildings. Hence, the developer selected DNAKE video intercoms to round out upmarket apartment complexes, supported by the mobile app.

Read more...
Authentic identity
HID Global Access Control & Identity Management
As the world has become global and digital, traditional means for confirming authentic identity, and understanding what is real and what is fake have become impractical.

Read more...
Research labs secured with STid Mobile ID
Access Control & Identity Management
When NTT opened its research centre in Silicon Valley, it was looking for a high-security expert capable of protecting the company’s sensitive data. STid readers and mobile ID solutions formed part of the solution.

Read more...
Is voice biometrics in banking secure enough?
Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics
As incidents of banking fraud grow exponentially and become increasingly sophisticated, it is time to question whether voice banking is a safe option for consumers.

Read more...
Unlocking efficiency and convenience
OPTEX Access Control & Identity Management Transport (Industry)
The OVS-02GT vehicle detection sensor is the newest member of Optex’s vehicle sensor range, also known as ‘virtual loop’, and offers reliable motion detection of cars, trucks, vans, and other motorised vehicles using microwave technology.

Read more...
Protecting our most vulnerable
NEC XON Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions
In a nation grappling with the distressing rise in child kidnappings, the need for innovative solutions to protect our infants has never been more critical. South Africa finds itself in the throes of a child abduction pandemic.

Read more...
Understanding the power of digital identity
Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management Financial (Industry)
The way we perceive business flourishing is undergoing a paradigm shift, as digital identity and consumer consent redefine the dynamics of transactions, says Shanaaz Trethewey.

Read more...