Why is Liveness Detection Crucial for Identity Verification Today?
With the ubiquitous internet infrastructure and mobile networks providing a backbone for daily interactions, coupled with a sustained increase in remote activities post-pandemic, the need for robust identity verification mechanisms is more critical than ever. As individuals engage in a wide range of online transactions — from banking and e-commerce to healthcare consultations and remote work — the risk of identity fraud has significantly escalated. According to the Consumer Sentinel Network’s 2023 Annual Data Book, reports of fraud and identity theft have nearly doubled in the last four years.[1]
Furthermore, the widespread availability of digital devices like smartphones and tablets, along with pervasive social media platforms, has made personal photos and identity details more accessible and easier to exploit. This accessibility significantly undermines the effectiveness of simple image-based face recognition technologies, which can be easily circumvented using readily available photographs. These vulnerabilities render traditional methods of identity verification increasingly ineffective in today’s digital world.
As the threat landscape evolves, the need for advanced verification methods that can counteract these sophisticated threats becomes crucial. This is where liveness detection emerges as an indispensable tool in the arsenal of security measures. In line with cybersecurity best practices recommended by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is advocated to mitigate the risks associated with password-only security. Face scan or liveness detection plays a critical role in the “Something You Are” pillar of MFA.[2] The integration of liveness detection not only improving system security but also maintaining trust in every digital interaction, making it a foundational component for the future of secure online identity verification.
Successful Applications of Liveness Detection Across Industries
Liveness detection is making significant impacts across multiple sectors, demonstrating its versatility and essential role in secure identity verification:
Identity Authentication: Liveness detection technology excels in a range of applications within identity authentication, including identity issuing, account creation, and account recovery. A standout example of this is Microsoft's Entra Verified ID, which exemplifies versatility and technological sophistication. Ankur, the Product Manager at Microsoft VerifiedID, explains the effectiveness of this system: "Face Check using Entra Verified ID relies on Azure AI Vision Face capability to add a critical layer of trust by matching a user’s real-time selfie and the photo from their identity document (such as a passport or driver’s license). By combining the open standards-based approach for Verified ID with world-class Vision capabilities, enterprises are able to reduce the risk of account takeover and impersonation without compromising on security, compliance, or privacy."
This advanced approach has been applied effectively in various sectors. A notable application is seen with BEMO, where liveness detection has transformed administrative operations, which could reduce the average time for support ticket resolution. As one BEMO customer expressed, "BEMO, you have greatly improved the admin password reset flows like self-service for getting a Temporary Access Pass (TAP). The validation process using our new company VerifiedID and going through the ‘live face check’ was even cool."
Moreover, the benefits of integrating liveness detection extend beyond digital identities to physical ID issuing, enabling a remote self-service process that brings convenience to customers and saves operational costs. This seamless integration of technology has fostered collaborations that enhance both security and accessibility. "ADOT MVD has been working closely with Microsoft on this functionality that helps customers securely access our services online, and we are excited for today’s release," said Eric Jorgensen, Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.
Healthcare: In healthcare, ensuring the identity of providers and patients is paramount for both privacy and safety. Liveness detection can help to secure telemedicine by confirming the presence and authenticity of individuals during consultations, thereby preventing fraud and protecting sensitive health data.
Education: The shift towards online learning and remote examinations has heightened the need for reliable identity verification. Liveness detection can ensure the integrity of remote exams and interviews by verifying student identities and deterring deceptive practices.
Finance: The finance sector may benefit from liveness detection, using it alongside facial recognition technologies to safeguard sensitive financial transactions and verify the identities of account holders, thus could help prevent unauthorized access and fraud.
New Features to Our Liveness Detection Technology
JavaScript Library for Web Applications: Azure AI Vision Face Client SDK language support has been expanded to include JavaScript, enabling developers to seamlessly integrate liveness detection into web applications and can enhance security across various online platforms.
Active Motion Challenge: Liveness detection has been enhanced with the addition of a dynamic layer requiring users to perform live actions in response to real-time prompts, ensuring that only genuine users can pass the verification, thus could improve both security and user experience.
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Looking Ahead
As we continue to innovate, our commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and user-friendly liveness detection solutions remains strong. We invite you to explore these new features and see how they can enhance your security protocols.
[1] Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023 | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)
[2] More than a Password | CISA
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