ICICI launches voice 'password' facility for users

Country's largest private lender ICICI Bank today said it has launched a service where customers can make transactions using just their voice, without using other means of authentication like a password.
The voice recognition service authenticates customers based on their speech patterns and allows them to execute banking transactions through the bank's call centre, the bank said in a statement issued here.
Customers, in general, use various means of authentication like entering card numbers, answering security questions and entering a personal identification number (PIN) to carry out a phone banking transaction.
"Their voice will now act as the password for banking transactions through the call centre," the statement said, adding that the service is secure.

Over 33 million savings bank and credit card customers will be able to use the service.
"Our decision to invest in this new technology was primarily driven by the objective of enhancing the everyday banking experience of our customers," its managing director and chief executive Chanda Kochhar said.

She added that customers using smartphones find it difficult to enter the 16 digit card number and the 4 digit PIN with accuracy and the hands-free alternative has the potential to increase security and convenience.
The technology solution works on unique 'voice prints' which comprise over 100 characteristics, including voice modulation, speed, accent and pronunciation, which are impossible to imitate, the statement said.

The voice print is stored and matched whenever the customer calls from the registered mobile number, it said.