FirstBank further secures its mobile app with Touch ID, Entersekt

Mobile app security and authentication leader, Entersekt, today announced that FirstBank has launched its updated iOS mobile banking application with fingerprint biometrics capability and authentication from Entersekt. FirstBank is Colorado's second-largest bank and the third-largest privately held bank in the nation.

FirstBank has integrated Entersekt's security product, Transakt, to provide a seamless, one-touch authentication experience leveraging Touch ID. The product pairs fingerprint biometrics with a second factor of authentication, giving added security to mobile banking customers. Registered FirstBank customers can log into the app on their Apple iPhone by simply scanning a fingerprint instead of inputting a password.

"Biometrics make a convenient substitute for passwords, the knowledge factor everyone loves to hate, but the factor of possession remains a key element of any strong authentication regime," said Gerhard Oosthuizen, Entersekt's chief information officer, who pointed to bank cards as a classic example of a possession factor. "With Transakt, the mobile device is uniquely identified with a digital certificate downloaded to the bank's mobile app. Transakt essentially transforms the device into a trusted second factor of authentication."

For mobile banking customers, enabling Touch ID on their iPhone is simple. The Touch ID application detects eligible devices and walks the customer through an easy registration process. Once the customer finishes registering, it will also complete the device identification process.

"We are thrilled to partner with Entersekt to provide Touch ID-enabled service for customers," said Jim Reuter, chief operating officer at FirstBank. "This will make mobile banking more convenient without compromising security, which is of utmost importance to us. FirstBank is continually investing in the best technology advancements, so our customers can bank from anywhere and know their information is protected." The bank intends to extend biometrics capabilities to its Android app in the near future.

The Entersekt technology supports fingerprint-based authentication using Apple's Touch ID and Android Marshmallow devices, both at login and to secure individual sensitive transactions, whether initiated on a personal computer or mobile device. It is available as an SDK or a standalone security app downloadable from all major app stores. Financial services companies worldwide use it to secure online banking, mobile banking, mobile money transfer, e-commerce, call centre interactions, in-branch interactions, and more.