In today's digital age, individuals need unique credentials to access personal accounts across industries such as banking, healthcare, insurance, telecommunications, retail, and e-commerce. As the number of accounts increases, managing email and login credentials can be challenging. Many people reuse passwords across multiple accounts, write them down in insecure locations, or rely on password managers, all of which create security vulnerabilities. Or, they may forget their account login information altogether.

Voice passwords can help address these issues. Let’s discuss how voice passwords work, highlight their advantages over conventional (typed) passwords, and examine why your voice might be the most secure password you have.

Voice Passwords 101

 Voice passwords are created using voice biometric technology, which analyzes more than 100 vocal characteristics—such as inflection, speaking rhythm, clarity, and tone—to generate a secure, encrypted voiceprint.¹ Voice passwords provide convenience and efficiency by eliminating the need to remember login information or PIN codes.

Setting up a voice password is a straightforward process that can be completed over the phone with companies that offer this service. For example, if you have a personal or business account with Ameris Bank and wish to set up voice identification (Voice ID), you can enroll in just a few minutes. During enrollment, you will be asked to repeat a phrase such as "My voice is my password" multiple times to create a distinctive voiceprint. Once your Voice ID is established, you will receive faster customer service when you call, as fewer security questions will be necessary.

Your Voice. Your Password.

Voice passwords offer the convenience of not having to remember or enter login information when accessing your accounts. In simple terms, your voice serves as your personal password, making it a distinctive biometric identifier that is unique to you. In addition to this convenience, voice passwords also offer several important security advantages.

Biometric Identities are Difficult to Impersonate

Because your voice password is unique and tied to your biometric identity, it is difficult for cybercriminals to mimic or clone. As a result, your voice password provides a robust layer of authentication. Additionally, modern systems can detect attempts at impersonation and prevent them effectively. This helps lower the chances of identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized access to your accounts by malicious individuals.

Exposure to Phishing Scams is Reduced

Cybercriminals often impersonate legitimate companies through email and text messages that have links to fraudulent websites. They try to trick users into clicking these links and entering sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and bank information. With voice passwords, you can avoid entering information into potentially fraudulent fields on a bogus login page.  

Personal Credentials are Afforded Greater Protection

Voice passwords offer a more secure alternative to traditional authentication methods such as email addresses, passwords, or PIN codes. Unlike these traditional forms, which can be vulnerable to online theft or guessed by cybercriminals, your voice password leverages the unique characteristics of your voice.

Voice Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication Boost Security

Your voice password is a valuable tool for protecting your account information. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an extra layer of protection against cybercriminals.² If one security level is compromised, the other will still serve as a barrier to accessing your account. More companies are offering MFA to their customers, so consider reaching out to those you have accounts with to ask about their MFA options.

Verification is Ongoing

During a voice session, a voice authorization system can discreetly verify the speaker's identity. By employing advanced voice recognition technology, the system continuously monitors and validates the speaker's voice patterns throughout the call.³ This is designed to help prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing someone else's account.

Ensuring the security of our customers' accounts is our top priority. We achieve this through industry-leading security tools and technology. If you have a personal or business account with us, or both, and would like to experience the benefits of a voice password, please visit this page on our website to learn how to set yours up. 

Sources:

¹https://www.nice.com/info/voice-biometrics-for-contact-centers

²https://esicorp.com/voice-recognition-enhances-access-control

³https://www.cunastrategicservices.com/content/silent-security

Disclaimer:

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Ameris Bank does not endorse nor is affiliated with the companies listed in this article.