Why Use Voice Authentication?

When considering identification and authentication techniques, there are three fundamental ways to identify a specific person:

• By something they have, such as a picture ID or token
• By something they know, such as a password, PIN, or personal information (shared secrets)
• By something they are, such as a biometric (fingerprint, iris scan, or voiceprint)

Of these three ways, a voiceprint is the best choice for identification when the individual isn’t present, since a voiceprint cannot be lost, stolen or forgotten. And, voice biometric systems don't require specialized hardware like some other authentication tools -- all that is needed is a common telephone. Also, voice biometric solutions can be used across multiple contact channels (IVR, web, enterprise, and mobile), making it possible to offer more consistent authentication experiences for your users.

Multi-Factor Authentication. The terms 'voice authentication' and 'voice verification' are both essentially the same -- meaning the process of proving your identity by the unique characteristics of your voice. Voice biometric software is rarely used by itself for authorization purposes ... it is more commonly used with another factor (such as a PIN or account number) to create a multi-factor solution. And for IVRs, call centers, and mobile phone applications, there is no better additional factor than voice biometrics!