Biometrics could be the extra feature needed for digital wallets

If you follow the technology world at all, then you have likely heard about the concept of Near-Field Communications (NFC for short), and their use in the emerging service of mobile payment options.

The concept is that for the connivence of the consumer a payment can be made simply by waving their phone near a module at the checkout, and the amount of their purchase is applied to a linked account.

One of the public concerns about this payment technology, however, has been the security aspect.  People have concerns that much like NFC enabled pay pass type cards it would be possible for someone to come along with a device that allows for unauthorized access to the account information that the NFC chip is linked to.

With Debit and Credit cards this has been somewhat addressed through the option of consumers carrying their cards in a Faraday Cage card sleeve, effectively blocking the transmission of the chip unless the card is intentionally pulled out of the sleeve.

But what can be done in the Mobile field to give the consumer the same sense of security? One option would be to apply the Faraday Cage technology to a Mobile Phone case, but this potentially could lead to issues with the consumer's device picking up signals from Mobile towers and Bluetooth devices.

The next possible option would be having the consumer key into their device a pin code or password at the point of their device exchanging information with the NFC Terminal at the checkout.

My belief, however, is that Apple might actual have the most logical and consumer friendly solution to this situation with their touch ID sensor they debuted in the iPhone 5s.

Think about this, a future device has both a NFC enabled payment system and a biometric sensor built into it. You, the customer walk up yo the check out, your order is processed and the total displayed. Taking out your Smart phone , you wave it across the access point, where both the amount of your purchase is transmitted to your device.  A pop up displays on your screen stating

Please confirm your purchase with your finger print

You touch the sensor, transmitting the payment and a verification that it is your confirmed fingerprint (no actual print needs transferred) , the device thanks you for your confirmation and you leave with your purchase.

  I believe this may just be the future of digital payments via mobile devices, but what is your opinion? Please leave your comments below