The concept of “intelligent friction” is increasingly being discussed as a way to balance security and customer experience in financial transactions. Intelligent Friction (IF) is not new but is the latest variation of Risk-based authentication (RBA). IF has been highlighted as an approach that can dynamically adjust security measures based on the perceived risk of a transaction. This method aims to minimize unnecessary interruptions for legitimate activities while still safeguarding against potential threats.
However, whilst both IF & RBA work based on some form of friction being introduced at either the authentication or transaction processing stage, there is an even more effective way to achieve “intelligent friction.” Trusted Identity Assurance (TIA) through ValidSoft’s advanced voice biometrics provides a more secure, seamless, and proactive solution that enhances both security and user experience from the very beginning of a transaction, whilst also uniquely achieving irrevocability, non-repudiation, and data immutability.
The Limitations of Intelligent Friction
Intelligent Friction relies on the assumption that security measures should only be triggered when an event or transaction deviates from the expected. This approach inherently introduces friction when the system flags an action as unusual, often leading to additional verification steps. For instance, a user traveling abroad may find themselves unable to complete a crucial transaction because the system perceives their location as unusual, and therefore, suspicious.
In this instance, the user may have to bear the cost of calling the help desk to remove the block on the transaction or the payment card. Such nightmare scenarios create significant friction, frustration, and concern for the user, and are entirely avoidable. Also, not only do they inconvenience the user but can also introduce new vulnerabilities, as fraudsters can exploit these additional steps through phishing or social engineering attacks.
Since IF often depends on possession factors such as device IDs or location data, which can be easily spoofed or stolen, this reliance on potentially compromised data weakens the security framework, exposing users and enterprises to significant risks. In contrast, TIA ensures that the person attempting the transaction is indeed who they claim to be, without relying on potentially manipulated factors.
The Case for Trusted Identity Assurance
Trusted Identity Assurance offers a more proactive approach by authenticating users not only at the “front door“, but also ensuring that only legitimate users can access systems or complete transactions from the outset. This method is particularly effective when implemented through ValidSoft’s voice biometric authentication, as demonstrated by ValidSoft’s See-Say™ product.
Voice biometrics provides a seamless and highly secure method of verifying identity, leveraging the unique characteristics of an individual’s voice. Unlike passwords or one-time passcodes (OTPs), which can be forgotten, lost, or stolen, a voiceprint is nearly impossible to replicate. See-Say™ enhances this security by combining voice biometrics with cryptography, ensuring that even if a hacker intercepts the transaction data, it is worthless without the legitimate user’s voice to authorize it.
Enhancing Customer Experience Through Seamlessness
One of the most significant advantages of TIA through voice biometrics is the seamless user experience it provides. Users are authenticated simply by repeating (speaking) a series of numeric digits, which are cryptographically linked to the specific access request. This process is not only faster and easier than retrieving an OTP, but it also eliminates the need for users to remember or manage additional security credentials.
Moreover, because the authentication happens at the initial access point, there is no need for additional verification steps later in the transaction process. This approach directly counters the delays and frustrations associated with RBA and IF, particularly in scenarios where users are in unfamiliar locations or using new devices.
Addressing Modern Fraud Challenges
In today’s environment, where social engineering and generative AI-driven attacks are increasingly common, relying on possession factors or knowledge-based authentication (KBA) is no longer sufficient. These methods can be easily manipulated, leading to breaches that are both costly and damaging to an organization’s reputation. TIA through advanced voice biometrics, on the other hand, offers a robust defense against these threats. The voice biometric data used in ValidSoft’s voice authentication model is unique to each individual, and non-repudiable when combined with cryptography, making it highly resistant to fraud and secure.
Additionally, TIA aligns with the principles of Zero Trust Security, where identity assurance is paramount. By verifying the user’s identity with a high degree of certainty before allowing access to any system or transaction, enterprises can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
While Intelligent Friction and Risk-Based Authentication represent a step forward in balancing security with user experience, it falls short of the proactive, seamless, and secure solution that Trusted Identity Assurance offers. By adopting voice biometric authentication through ValidSoft’s See-Say™ , organizations can achieve true “intelligent friction”— friction that enhances security without compromising the customer experience. This approach not only mitigates the risks associated with traditional IF/RBA but also provides a future-proof solution that addresses the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
