Some time ago we wrote about a new ATMs biometric security system utilizing fingerprint scanner and about new high-tech form of theft targeting ATMs, called skimming.

Mastercard – a worldwide credit card provider – has decided to reveal their newest type of payment card, equipped with a new security feature – a small biometric area designed to verify the user's fingerprint. Instead of requiring its owner to enter a four-digit personal identification number (PIN), the user needs only to hold the finger over the sensor whilst making a purchase.

According to Mastercard the new technology was successfully tested in South Africa, and will most likely be fully implement throughout Europe and Asia later this year. Mastercard's chief of safety and security, Ajay Bhalla, said that the fingerprint technology would help "to deliver additional convenience and security.”

Fingerprint recognition is widely considered as more secure way of payment authentication than PIN. This is credited to a lower likelihood of fingerprint theft or replication.
But just in case of something happening (let’s say you cut your finger), should the biometric fingerprint scanner be the only way of payment authentication?

In our opinion, the ideal payment method should combine both biometric and PIN to add an extra layer of security.