MasterCard Tests Selfie App To Approve Purchases

[engine]

According to areport on CNN, MasterCard is to run tests later this year on a "selfie" app to approve purchases. The idea is to help improve security and avoid the problems of people forgetting their passwords.

"The new generation, which is into selfies ... I think they'll find it cool. They'll embrace it," said Ajay Bhalla, who's in charge of coming up with innovative solutions for MasterCard's security challenges. MasterCard Tests Selfie App To Approve Purchases [money.cnn.com]

[topr8]

i really like this and am glad at least mastercard is pushing forward with innovations. online fraud is a big problem for many in ecommerce.
obviously it isn't perfect but it is certainly a step in the right direction. passwords/pins etc are always a weak link as they are so often written down or indeed given away in phishing exploits.
of course there would be ways devised to take a 'fake' selfie as well, but every step that raises the bar for criminals is good news.

[toidi]

In the past 2 years my credit card was hacked 3 times, not from lack of security on my end but on their end. All these hyped front end security measures do nothing when they leave the back door unlocked.

maybe if i sign up they will give me a free paper shredder.

[LifeinAsia]

So now when the criminals steal your credit card, they need to kidnap the cardholder as well. Kidding aside, the app should allow for some sort of built-in "safe word" facial expression the card holder can use to show the selfie is being made under duress. Then the app could immediately alert authorities and put a trace on the phone.

yeah, pie in the sky. But if the credit card companies REALLY want to help cut down on fraud, they could make it happen.