ID Proofing and Authentication: Q&A with Andras Cser, Forrester

As I work with our clients – many of them large retail banks — it’s clear that identity proofing and authentication strategies are evolving. A steady stream of technology innovation has opened new doors, providing the tools needed to embed remarkable consumer experiences within the latest digital transformation initiatives. When it comes to maintaining the trust of banking consumers, identity proofing and authentication are at the top of the list. By employing a variety of technologies, some highly visible and others that work behind the scenes, digital transformation can keep pace with consumer expectations and competitive pressures.

As financial institutions look to build their customer identity proofing and authentication strategies for the “new normal”, I met up with Andras Cser from Forrester to talk about what is happening in the market now, how best practices are developing and what to consider when defining the role of identity verification across the customer lifecycle.

Andras is Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, where he is a leading expert on identity management as well as cloud security and enterprise fraud management. As a respected and independent voice in the industry I was keen to hear what he had to say and share it with you in a series of videos:

1. The Difference Between Customer and Enterprise Identity Authentication
   We discuss how authentication strategies differ between external audiences, such as consumer account access, and internal audiences, such as employees on a corporate network. (Five-minute interview)

2. Strategies for Customer Identity Proofing
   When banks and financial institutions are ensuring customers are who they say they are, what is (and what should) be going on in the background to make sure checks are robust, but don’t turn applicants away? (Nine-minute interview)
3. Authenticating Customers Across the Customer Lifecycle – Strategies for Step-Up Authentication
   There’s a fine balance between authenticating customers and inconveniencing them; Andras and I discuss how that balance can be managed effectively to prevent fraud without disrupting the consumer experience. (Seven-minute interview)
4. The Future of Customer Identity Proofing and Authentication
   Andras sets out his vision for the future – what technologies are here to stay, what new technologies will emerge and how will identity schemes develop? (Six-minute interview)

All four films are also available in one 30-minute video

For those of you who like to listen to content on the go, we’ve also published the full interview as a FICO.fm podcast, available on podcasting platforms including: Spotify, Audible, Amazon and Lybsin.