MasterCard Unveils New ‘Selfie’ Security Check

MasterCard Unveils New ‘Selfie’ Security Check

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Feb 24, 2016

MasterCard is bringing “selfie pay” security checks to more than a dozen countries. Last year, the company was trailing in the technology - which uses facial recognition to authenticate users’ identity - but now it says they have firm plans to roll out the feature after those who have tested the product have given positive reviews.

To use selfie pay, customers will have to download MasterCard’s app to their phone or tablet. After entering credit card information as normal during an online payment, they’ll hold their device up to their face to take a quick picture.

In order to prove authenticity, users will be prompted to blink. This will prevent unauthorized users from holding up a photograph to the camera. MasterCard says they also have other algorithms in place to insure someone isn’t trying to fool the system by using a video.

The new facial recognition software will only be prompted in certain contexts, when further authentication is needed and that a lot of its security is based on knowing whether a transaction seems normal or not.

The company is also looking into security measures that go beyond facial recognition and fingerprint sensors. One thing they have been looking into is heartbeat recognition. They would use a sensor to read a person’s electrocardiogram - the unique signal produced by a user’s heart.

MasterCard believes their heartbeat authentication system will not be hitting your phone any time soon, simply because there’s no infrastructure currently available to support it. The facial recognition can roll out much sooner by comparison.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Brivo, Eagle Eye Networks Merge

    Dean Drako, Chairman of Brivo, the leading global provider of cloud-native access control and smart space technologies, and Founder of Eagle Eye Networks, the global leader in cloud AI video surveillance, today announced the two companies will merge, creating the world’s largest AI cloud-native physical security company. The merged company will operate under the Brivo name and deliver a truly unified cloud-native security platform. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.