Friction in Authentication

Friction refers to the obstacles users encounter during the authentication process. These challenges can include:

1. Remembering Complex Passwords
    

Users often struggle with recalling intricate passwords, leading to login failures or the need for password resets.

2. Multi-Step Verification Procedures

While enhancing security, processes involving multiple steps (e.g., entering codes, and answering knowledge-based questions) can create friction and hinder user experience.

3. Biometric Authentication Issues

Technical difficulties with fingerprint scanners, facial recognition systems, or other biometric technologies can cause friction and frustration for users.

The Impact of Friction

Excessive friction in the authentication process can lead to several negative consequences:

1. User Frustration

Encountering repetitive or overly complex authentication steps can lead to user frustration and dissatisfaction.

2. Increased Login Abandonment

Friction can discourage users from completing the login process, hindering access to accounts or services.

3. Reduced Security Awareness

Users might resort to workarounds to bypass friction, potentially compromising security practices.

Balancing Security and User Experience

Striking a balance between robust security and a user-friendly authentication experience is crucial. Here are some ways to achieve this balance:

1. Risk-Based Authentication

Tailoring the authentication process based on perceived risk. Low-risk activities might require less stringent authentication compared to high-risk transactions.

2. Adaptive Authentication

Systems that can adapt to user behaviour and adjust authentication requirements accordingly.

3. User-Friendly Security Measures

Implementing user-friendly security measures like single sign-on (SSO) or biometrics with liveness detection can enhance security without excessive friction.

Also Read: Startup Security - Your Guide to Fraud Prevention

Smile ID: Minimizing Friction While Maintaining Robust Security

At Smile ID, we understand the importance of minimizing friction while maintaining robust security. Our solutions incorporate features to:

1. Streamline Verification and Authentication Processes

Our solutions can simplify login procedures while upholding security standards.

2. Leverage Biometric Convenience

Smile ID's proprietary solution, SmartSelfie™, allows you to verify users using facial recognition with liveness detection. We have trained our machine learning algorithms on over 5 million African faces to achieve a 99.8% matching accuracy rate in real time.

3. Prioritize User Experience

We prioritize user experience by designing intuitive and efficient authentication flows.

Get started with the best onboarding and authentication tool in Africa here.