The document discusses the critical role of authentication solution providers in enhancing cybersecurity by offering robust and innovative measures to protect sensitive digital assets and ensure compliance with regulations. It highlights Aware, Inc. as a leading company in this space, emphasizing its expertise in biometric solutions that improve security and user experience while addressing the evolving challenges in data protection. The article also outlines the importance of choosing trusted providers and showcases the most reliable authentication solution companies of 2023.

1. VOL 05 I ISSUE 04 I 2023
Unlocking the Future
The Role of Authen ca on
Solu ons in Today's Digital World
The Importance of
Authen ca onSolu ons
Stay Safe Online
Leading Authentication Forward
Bob Eckel
President and CEO
Aware, Inc
Most
Trusted
Solution
2023

3. Defying
the Barriers with
Top-notch
Augmentations
Augmentations
Top-notch
the Barriers with
Defying

4. Editorial
Note
Symbol ing
Authenticity and
Innovations

5. Hire
character.
Trainskill.
Abhishek Joshi
AbhishekJoshi
n the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity,
Iauthentication solution providers play a vital role in
safeguarding digital assets and protecting sensitive
information. As the demand for robust authentication
solutions continues to grow, it becomes crucial to
identify and partner with trusted providers that offer
reliable and effective authentication solutions.
It is essential to note that the field of authentication
solution providers is dynamic, with new innovations
and emerging players continually shaping the
landscape. Authentication solution providers are
specialized in the field of cybersecurity and
authentication technologies. They possess in-depth
knowledge and expertise in designing, implementing,
and managing authentication solutions. By partnering
with these providers, organizations can leverage their
specialized skills and experience to ensure the
implementation of robust and effective authentication
measures.
Authentication solution providers offer ongoing
support and maintenance services to ensure the
continued effectiveness and reliability of
authentication systems. They monitor for emerging
threats, provide timely updates and patches, and offer
technical assistance to address any issues or concerns
that may arise. This ensures that organizations have
access to continuous support and can respond
effectively to evolving security challenges.
Many industries are subject to regulatory compliance
requirements regarding data protection and access
control. Authentication solution providers understand
these regulations and ensure that their solutions align
with the relevant standards. By partnering with these
providers, organizations can achieve compliance with
industry-specific regulations and avoid penalties or
legal repercussions associated with non-compliance.
These companies have proven track records in
delivering cutting-edge authentication solutions that
meet the evolving security needs of organizations
across various sectors. Whether it's protecting user
identities, preventing unauthorized access, or
complying with stringent regulations, these providers
have demonstrated their expertise and reliability in
delivering robust authentication solutions.
Through the latest edition of CIOLook, let us dive into
the enthralling stories of The 10 Most Trusted
Authentication Solution Providers of 2023,
highlighting their commitment to excellence,
innovation, and their contributions to securing the
digital world.
Flip through the pages and have a delightful read!

6. C O N T
08
Leading Authentication Forward
Cover
Story

7. E N T S
A R T I C L E S
ValidSoft
Redefining Security in a World of
Evolving Threats
20
Unlocking the Future
The Role of Authen ca on
Solu ons in Today's Digital World
Stay Safe Online
The Importance of Authen ca on
Solu ons
16
24

8. CONTENT
Senior Editor Alan Swann
Executive Editors Abhishek Joshi
DESIGN
Visualizer Dave Bates
Art & Design Director Revati Badkas
Associate Designer Ankita Pandharpure
SALES
TECHNICAL
Technical Head Prachi Mokashi
Technical Consultant Victor Collins
May, 2023
Copyright © 2023 CIOLOOK, All
rights reserved. The content
and images used in this
magazine should not be
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photocopying, recording or
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Editor-in-Chief
sales@ciolook.com
SME-SMO
Research Analyst Eric Smith
SEO Executive Ravindra Kadam
Senior Sales Manager Sihanee M., Rouniyar A.
Customer Success Manager Jack Ryan, Prathamesh
Sales Executives John, Rohit

9. Brief
Company Name
Ping Identity
pingidentity.com
ValidSoft
validsoft.com
Aware Inc
aware.com
Global ID SA
global-id.swiss
Aware is the world's leading provider of biometrics products
and solutions.
Ping Identity helps you protect your users and every digital
interaction they have while making experiences frictionless.
ValidSoft is the only security company in the world with 4
European Data Protection and Privacy Seals, including a Seal
for VIP Voice (EuroPriSe®).
Global ID SA has the mission of bringing to market and of
growing sales of vein-based biometric authentication products
and services.
Authy
authy.com
Authy’s two-factor authentication (2FA) provides a fast-to-
implement, highly scalable and proven 99.999 % reliable
alternative to passwords.
Daniel Palacio
CEO
Bob Eckel
President and CEO
Lambert Sonna Ph.D
CEO
Airome Technologies
airome.tech
Airome Technologies is a Singapore-based developer of
cybersecurity solutions for digital banking and e-document
management systems.
Denis Kalemberg
Co-founder and CEO
Tony Raval
CEO
IDMERIT is your most comprehensive source of official global
data, with direct partnerships in 240+ countries and territories.
Patrick M. Carroll
Founder, Executive
Chairman and CEO
Citizens Bank
citizensbank.com
With 15 Branches across 13 communities in the Willamette
Valley, Citizens Bank gives you the trusted service and
experience you deserve.
Mary Callahan
Senior Vice President
Andre Durand
CEO
Kevin Alan Tussy
CEO
FaceTec is the world leader in 3D Face Liveness & Matching
software.
FACETEC
facetec.com
Panini
Psanini.com
Panini has been a market leader in providing innovative
solutions that every business demands.
Featured Person
JIDMERIT
jidmerit.com
Richard Kanc
CEO

10. C O V E R S T O R Y
Leading Authentication Forward
Aware is leading the convergence
of identity, biometrics, AI, and
cybersecurity via an adaptive
methodology that senses and
respond to changing market
needs and emerging, unexpected
new challenges.

11. Bob Eckel
President and CEO
Aware, Inc

12. hen it comes to authenticating users for
Wsecure transactions, biometrics and multi-
factor authentication have emerged as the
standard. With traditional authentication methods such
as passwords falling out of favor due to poor identity
protection, products that incorporate biometric
functionality and emphasize security are now crucial to
successful Authentication Solutions Services.
Aware, Inc.—a trailblazer in the authentication
space—ensures secure identity verification for virtually
any use case by providing entire end-to-end software
solutions that create a tailored business process to its
customers’ needs.
Aware is a world-class, global authentication company
that validates and secures identities using proven and
trusted adaptive biometrics. A trusted provider of
biometrics software, services, and solutions, Aware
provides essential biometric and workflow capabilities
for border management, law enforcement, defense,
intelligence, citizen identification, banking, and
payments.
In an interview with CIOLook, Bob Eckel, President, and
CEO of Aware, Inc, talks about the importance of the
Authentication Solutions Services industry and how
Aware has established itself as the frontrunner in this
industry.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Please give us a brief overview of Aware, Inc., its
mission, and the key aspects of its strong foothold in
the Authentication Solutions Services industry.
Aware has been trusted by governments for three
decades, but its expertise applies to the commercial
space as well. We help organizations find the proper
balance of security and friction for an experience that
delights end users while ensuring compliance and
protecting the organization. Through authentication
solutions that leverage the trusted security of
biometric technology, we help solve everyday business
challenges and protect the identities of end-users.
This is particularly vital in a world where data breaches
and identity fraud are on the rise globally. Our portfolio
of proven authentication solutions empowers people to
protect and own their identities by replacing
traditional, fraud-prone authentication methods (such
as passwords) with the enhanced security and
convenience of biometrics. With Aware’s offerings,
users can control their digital identities through clear,
intuitive opt-in/opt-out features, helping them feel
secure and improving their lives.
Aware is trusted by more than 80 government
agencies, 100 commercial leaders, 20 industry
partners and 300+ law enforcement agencies in more
than 20 countries worldwide. Commercial customers
include many large banks and financial institutions
where security and convenience are vital. To date,
Aware’s technology has protected more than 83 million
transactions worldwide.
Describe your top-notch offerings that address the
need of your customers.
Aware's portfolio consists primarily of the following
trusted authentication offerings:
Ÿ AwareID: A next-generation adaptive
authentication platform for onboarding and
authentication. AwareID offers lightning-fast
identity, verification, multi-factor authentication,
and biometrics in a single, low-code platform.
Functional out of the box and available via
subscription, AwareID is fully customizable and is
available pre-configured for the most common use
cases small-to-large businesses face every day.
Providing secure, convenient authentication
capabilities has typically only been available to large
organizations with deep pockets and large IT teams.
With AwareID, top-of-the-line authentication is
now available to small to medium-sized businesses
as well.
Ÿ Knomi: A mobile biometric authentication
framework. Knomi protects transactions from fraud
and identity theft by providing mobile
authentication capabilities such as face and voice
authentication, passive liveness detection to protect
against fraudsters, and robust document
verification capabilities. Featuring the most
prestigious industry compliance designations,
Knomi provides organizations with a convenient,
secure means to safely onboard and authenticate
their users anywhere in the world.
Ÿ BioSP: A market-leading biometric middleware
platform. Featuring browser-based biometric

13. enrollment, data, and workflow management, BioSP
is effectively used by large employers for user
enrollment at scale. Open and modular, BioSP
integrates well into existing workflows and is well-
suited for applications that require the collection,
processing, and analysis of biometrics.
Ÿ AwareABIS: A family of products that offer a wide
array of biometric identification solutions for any
sized civil or law enforcement community. The
AwareABIS Automated Biometric Identification
System (ABIS) supports fingerprint, face, and iris
recognition for large-scale biometric identification,
and its modular architecture helps security teams
configure and optimize the system for virtually any
law enforcement need.
What are the roadblocks that Aware, Inc. faces in the
ever-changing landscape of the business world?
Aware faces many of the same macroeconomic
headwinds that are affecting companies globally. Due
to current market uncertainty, we have seen some
customers defer their purchase decisions until there is
more economic clarity. Disruptions in the global supply
chain can also affect our customers and their ability to
deliver products, which in turn impacts our sales.
Customers can also be hesitant to fully launch new,
leading-edge technologies such as ours beyond the
initial pilot phase.
Nevertheless, we believe Aware is poised for continued
success based on our healthy pipeline, accelerating
customer adoption of our new software-as-a-service
(SaaS) offering, AwareID, and robust balance sheet.
One misconception that we are trying to change is that
biometrics represent a significant expense for
businesses. Fears still exist that biometrics will involve
lots of expensive, proprietary hardware and the need
for significant IT resources, costing both time and
money. The truth is that biometrics can be acquired and
enabled through a mobile app using the cameras and
microphones using the common smartphone and can be
managed over the cloud (such as with AwareID)
without the need for significant integration costs.
Thankfully, user acceptance of biometrics is moving in
the right direction. With high-profile uses of biometrics
becoming more and more prevalent (such as unlocking
Aware is a trusted
partner to more than
80 government
agencies, 100
commercial leaders,
and 20 industry
partners in more than
20 countries
worldwide.

14. your smartphone with your face), people are growing
more comfortable with the technology. In fact, Aware
recently held an independent survey that found that
user acceptance is increasing with each new
generation, demonstrating increased acceptance in
younger age groups.
What makes Aware, Inc. a preferred choice among
your clientele over other competitors?
First and foremost, Aware is seen as an extremely
trustworthy partner. This stems primarily from our long
history (25+ years is long for a biometrics company)
and established and proven presence in government
agency solutions, a customer group that requires the
highest levels of security. Our products have won
multiple awards and are compliant with the highest
industry standards. As far as biometric authentication
providers go, Aware is among the most reliable options
available.
Our company’s stability doesn't mean that we don’t
adapt to the latest trends or strive to set ourselves
apart from the competition. We are proud to be leading
the convergence of identity, biometrics, AI, and
cybersecurity via an adaptive methodology that senses
and response to changing market needs and
unexpected challenges and as part of our culture to
take smart chances.
Lastly, Aware prides itself on our strong customer
relationships and on providing clients with the most
easily integrated biometric offers available. We are
proud to be the only provider that offers clients a rich
suite of products that includes liveness detection,
authentication, multi-modal automated biometric
identification systems, integration-ready middleware,
and biometric orchestration.
Describe the values that drive Aware, Inc.
Aware has five company values that help us deliver
results for our customers:
Ÿ Customer First: Understanding our customers'
needs, making sure we're easy to do business with,
and challenging ourselves to exceed customer
expectations.
Ÿ We are a Team: Owning our commitments while
working collaboratively as a team to drive results.

15. Ÿ My Inputs Matter: Communicating our points of
view, speaking freely with others, actively listening,
asking questions, and seeking feedback.
Ÿ Take Smart Chances: Identifying the important
things to work on every day and developing
thoughtful solutions to drive quick, informed
decisions and results.
Ÿ Plan for Success: Being accountable, anticipating
success, and planning for positive, successful
results.
In your opinion, what could be the future of the
Authentication Solutions Services industry, and how
will Aware, Inc change its market orientation?
Today’s authentication solutions are stuck in the past.
With data breaches and identity theft on the rise
around the world, authentication solutions that rely on
passwords are highly fraud-prone, and do a poor job of
protecting peoples' identities whether they're placing a
financial transaction, opening an account over the
phone, or accessing digital files. These
methods—particularly passwords—are increasingly
inconvenient as well, with complicated character
requirements and frequent resets that take time and
cause frustration.
Modern authentication solutions must move on from
these methods, especially as people live more and more
of their lives online. As an industry, we must move away
from authentication credentials that can be stolen,
guessed at, or hacked. Instead, we need to move toward
a method that presents little to no opportunity for
fraud, and it is our belief that biometric technology is
the best available option. Because biometrics rely on a
person's unique physical characteristics instead of
something that can be stolen or guessed, they are
inherently more secure. Additionally, they can be
performed on smartphones in a matter of seconds,
making them much more convenient to use than
passwords.
In what ways have you or Aware, Inc. contributed to
the community?
After more than 20 years in one location, we recently
moved to a new corporate headquarters in Burlington,
Massachusetts. We had been using a limited amount of
the available space in our previous Bedford, MA
headquarters, and saw an opportunity to decrease our
square footage and lessen our environmental impact.
This aligns with our other environmental, social, and
corporate governance (ESG) initiatives, such as a
commitment to recycling and digitization, which has
enabled us to save over ten tons of paper to date.
Additionally, Aware has a longstanding commitment to
providing local students an opportunity to further their
career aspirations by offering a robust intern program
every year. We are currently looking at ways to expand
that program now that we have moved to a new
community. Aware also provides all employees with
Voluntary Time Off (VTO) so that they may contribute
to a charity or non-profit of their choice without
sacrificing vacation time.
What are your future aspirations? Where do you see
Aware, Inc. in the next five years?
We aspire for Aware to become synonymous with
authentication, to become the world’s leading
authentication company. When a company wants to
implement a new authentication platform, we want
them to think of Aware first. When a user is frustrated
with resetting a password to gain access to their
account, we want them to think of Aware as the
solution. We want to lead the industry into the future
and set a new standard for authentication, regardless
Aware aspires to
become
synonymous with
authentication; to
become the
authentication
company.

16. of the use case or application. All companies and people
should demand and expect better asset and identity
protection, and our goal is that we will be that solution
in the next five years.
Provide a few customer/client testimonials that
rightly exhibit Aware, Inc's expertise in the market.
"Aware is a great company to deal with and they keep their
products up to date with constant attention to the needs of
their users. They constantly strive to improve the ease of
use and effectiveness of their software by listening to the
people using it."
Ÿ Marty Johnson, Kalamazoo County Sheriff's
Department (Lt.)
"We are very happy to have selected Aware for this
particular project. Knomi is an ideal solution to incorporate
into our mobile application, providing our customers with a
simple and secure method to open new accounts and verify
their identities from the convenience of their own homes.
We had a tight timeframe and a number of local regulations
to overcome with this partnership, and we are happy to
have successfully addressed them with help from Aware
and DVA."
Ÿ Burçin Bıkmaz, Director of Retail Digital Solutions,
Garanti BBVA
"We are delighted to be using Aware's solution within our
eOMIS® offering. In our InTouch mobile application, we
must have the highest possible security to ensure that the
person checking in as the offender is, in fact, the offender.
The ability for Knomi to give us separate scores for face and
voice recognition, and a fused score combining the two,
gives us that peace of mind. Additionally, COVID-19 has
limited the capability for in-person transactions, but Knomi
has enabled us to transition from a previously required in-
person enrollment and transform to a trusted, non-
proctored mobile enrollment capability."
Ÿ Ben Harrell, Director of Sales and Marketing,
Marquis Software.

18. Unlocking the Future
www.ciolook.com | May 2023 |
16

19. The Role of
Authentication Solutions
in Today's
Digital World
n today's interconnected and digitized world, where
Isensitive data is exchanged and transactions are
conducted online, the need for robust
authentication solutions has become paramount. The
rise of cyber threats and the constant evolution of
hacking techniques necessitate the implementation of
effective authentication measures. This article explores
the crucial role played by authentication solutions in
safeguarding sensitive information, securing digital
transactions, and preserving the trust of individuals and
organizations in the digital realm.
Authentication solutions play a vital role in
safeguarding user identities in today's digital world.
With the increasing reliance on digital platforms and
services, user identities are a prime target for
cybercriminals seeking to exploit personal information
for malicious purposes. By implementing robust
authentication measures, organizations can establish a
strong barrier against unauthorized access and protect
user identities from being compromised.
The Fundamentals
Biometric authentication, in particular, has gained
popularity due to its ability to uniquely identify
individuals based on their physical or behavioral
characteristics. Technologies like fingerprint
recognition, facial recognition, and iris scanning offer a
high level of accuracy and security. Biometrics are
difficult to replicate or falsify, making them an effective
authentication solution for preventing identity theft
and unauthorized access.
Furthermore, authentication solutions go beyond
protecting user identities from external threats. They
also address internal vulnerabilities, such as insider
threats or unauthorized access by employees or
partners. By implementing strict access controls and
authentication protocols, organizations can ensure that
only authorized individuals have access to sensitive
data and systems, reducing the risk of internal
breaches.
Another crucial aspect of authentication solutions is
their role in securing remote access and mobile devices.
With the proliferation of remote work and the
increasing use of smartphones and tablets,
organizations must ensure that only authorized
individuals can access corporate resources and data
from outside the traditional network perimeter.
Authentication solutions, such as virtual private
networks (VPNs) and mobile device management
(MDM) solutions, authenticate users and devices
before granting access to sensitive information. This
helps prevent unauthorized access and data leakage in
remote and mobile environments.
Authentication solutions form an indispensable part of
today's digital world, providing a fundamental layer of
security and trust. By protecting sensitive data,
securing digital transactions, preventing account
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17

20. compromise, and ensuring compliance, these solutions
empower individuals and organizations to navigate the
digital realm with confidence. As the threat landscape
evolves, the continuous advancement and adoption of
robust authentication measures will remain essential
for safeguarding our digital identities and preserving
the integrity of online interactions.
Protecting Sensitive Data:
Authentication solutions serve as the first line of
defense against unauthorized access to sensitive data.
By verifying the identity of users before granting them
access to confidential information, these solutions help
prevent data breaches and protect individuals' privacy.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods, such as
using a combination of passwords, biometrics, and one-
time passcodes, add an extra layer of security and make
it significantly more difficult for malicious actors to gain
unauthorized access.
Securing Digital Transactions:
As the world increasingly relies on digital transactions,
authentication solutions play a pivotal role in ensuring
the integrity and authenticity of these transactions.
Strong authentication mechanisms, such as
cryptographic protocols and digital certificates, enable
secure communication between parties involved in
online transactions. This prevents fraudulent activities,
such as identity theft, unauthorized financial
transactions, and tampering with sensitive data during
transit.
Preventing Account Compromise:
The proliferation of online services and platforms has
made user accounts a prime target for cybercriminals.
Authentication solutions, particularly those employing
adaptive or risk-based techniques, help detect and
prevent account compromise. These solutions analyze
various factors, such as device information,
geolocation, and user behavior, to assess the risk
associated with a login attempt. By flagging suspicious
activities or requesting additional verification steps,
authentication solutions can thwart unauthorized
access and protect user accounts.
Strengthening Compliance and Regulations:
Authentication solutions play a vital role in ensuring
compliance with industry regulations and data
protection laws. Many sectors, including finance,
healthcare, and e-commerce, are subject to strict
security standards and regulations. Robust
authentication measures, such as two-factor
authentication (2FA) and strong password policies, help
organizations meet these requirements and
demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding
customer data.
Enhancing User Experience:
While security is of utmost importance, authentication
solutions also contribute to improving the user
experience. By implementing user-friendly
authentication methods, such as biometrics (e.g.,
fingerprint or facial recognition), organizations can
streamline the login process and reduce user friction.
This balance between security and usability is crucial
for encouraging widespread adoption of digital services
and platforms.
Mitigating Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks:
Phishing attacks, where malicious actors attempt to
trick individuals into revealing sensitive information,
remain a significant threat in the digital landscape.
Authentication solutions help mitigate these attacks by
providing additional verification steps that are
challenging for attackers to bypass. For instance, one-
time passcodes sent to a trusted device or email
address can prevent attackers from gaining
unauthorized access, even if they manage to trick the
user into revealing their password.
Traditional username/password combinations are
susceptible to various vulnerabilities, such as weak
passwords, password reuse, and phishing attacks.
Authentication solutions, particularly those
incorporating multi-factor authentication (MFA),
provide an additional layer of protection. MFA requires
users to provide multiple factors of authentication,
such as something they know (password), something
they have (smart card or token), or something they are
(biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition). This
approach significantly enhances the security of user
identities by making it more difficult for attackers to
impersonate legitimate users.
www.ciolook.com | May 2023 |
18

22. ValidSoft aspires to be a
true meritocracy. We
believe that a meritocracy
in the workplace is crucial
for fostering a fair and
inclusive environment
where each individual is
recognized and rewarded
based on their skills,
abilities and achievements,
regardless of their
background or identity.”
“
“
Pat Caroll
(Founder, Executive Chairman and CEO)
ValidSoft
www.ciolook.com | May 2023 |
20

23. ValidSoft
Redefining Security in a World of Evolving Threats
eing in the executive position or the CEO of a
Bfinancial institution, the responsibility entails
ensuring the security and integrity of the client's
financial data. Navigating the rapidly evolving
landscape of cybersecurity threats and realizing the
need for a more robust and reliable method of identity
verification flashes right up.
Given the constantly evolving nature of cybersecurity
threats and the critical importance of secure identity
verification, it's no surprise to turn to ValidSoft, a
leading voice authentication company with a proven
track record of eliminating fraud and identity theft, as a
trusted partner for security needs.
ValidSoft's innovative VoiceID® technology, built using
active, passive and continuous voice-based
authentication, guarantees the speaker is whom they
claim to be, every time. With ValidSoft's solutions, one
can rest assured that businesses' clients' sensitive
financial data is secure, and that the institution is
compliant with leading data protection and privacy
laws.
Behind the success of ValidSoft is its Founder, Pat
Carroll, who serves as Executive Chairman and CEO of
the company, a seasoned executive with a strong
background in technology and finance. Carroll has
established ValidSoft as a trusted partner for banks,
financial institutions and government agencies
worldwide.
We at CIOLook, interviewed Pat as the face of Validsoft
which represents the fast-growing voice authentication
industry and provides innovative solutions to eliminate
fraud and identity theft.
Let's delve into the intercepts of the interview!
Brief our audience about your journey as a business
leader until your current position in your company.
What challenges have you had to overcome to reach
where you are today?
My background is in Investment Banking Technology,
and I held senior technology transformation positions
with Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Credit Suisse Financial
Products and Bankers Trust Company, before founding
ValidSoft some 20 years ago. In 2016 we completed an
MBO and relaunched as VSFT, effectively a start-up,
albeit with significant experience under our belt.
The key challenge on our journey has been an
educational one. We were one of the first companies to
determine that multi-factor authentication was
necessary to protect systems and users, and critical
data and transactions. Unfortunately, weak
authentication remains an Achilles heel even today and
there is now a critical need to ensure that the identity
of the individual is determined for all remote access
channels (online/mobile/enterprise/contact center,
etc.). This is the reason we developed our core voice
biometric technology to address a critical market need
and provide a secure trusted identity security layer for
the modern world.
Enlighten us on how you have been impacting the
industry through your expertise in the market.
We started with multi-factor and out-of-band
authentication, but the bad guys caught up, and so the
message we are conveying today is that organizations
must address the identity issue. The only reliable proof
of identity is some form of biometric identifier, and for
many reasons, Voice Biometrics will play a key role in
this. We are already working with some of the largest
www.ciolook.com | May 2023 |
21

24. Fortune 50 businesses to deliver voice biometrics.
Obviously, the bad guys are starting to use tools like
replay attacks and AI-based deep-fake attacks. But, the
good news is that we are at the forefront of preventing
these new attack vectors and have world-leading
capabilities to detect Deep-fake audio. We are using
that to ensure that our proprietary Voice
Authentication solutions are robust but we are also
offering this technology as a stand-alone solution,
which is one of our key focus areas right now.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that
drives your organization.
ValidSoft aspires to be a true meritocracy. We believe
that a meritocracy in the workplace is crucial for
fostering a fair and inclusive environment where each
individual is recognized and rewarded based on their
skills, abilities and achievements, regardless of their
background or identity. Our people are evaluated and
promoted based on their performance, which in turn
promotes healthy competition, encourages continuous
improvement and ensures that the most qualified
individuals are given opportunities for advancement.
We have found that this culture also boosts employee
morale, motivation, and engagement.
Diversity is hugely important to us and to our Speech
Science R&D efforts. We are proud of the fact that we
have exceptional talent from 28 different countries. We
hire the best people, and we empower our people to do,
and be the best, regardless of their race, gender, age, or
other characteristics. We have found that ultimately, a
workplace that upholds meritocracy fosters an
environment of excellence, innovation and productivity,
leading to the overall success of the organization.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in
almost every sector. How are you advancing towards
technological innovations to make your solutions
resourceful?
We have always been an innovator and significant
investor in R&D. At present, we have 22 patents
granted and many more applications underway. We use
the latest developments in AI, machine learning and
deep neural networks to constantly iterate and improve
our speech science understanding and our voice
biometrics capabilities. In 2017, we completely re-
architected our core voice biometrics technology stack
based on the principle of "privacy by design" and to take
advantage of our R&D investments in speech science,
AI, ML, and DNN. The result is what we call "next
generation" trusted identity assurance based on
precision voice biometrics and seeing astonishing rates
of accuracy at speed and at scale.
Our latest trusted identity technology, See-Say®, is
based on a voice-biometric authentication of a spoken
One Time Code, which is cryptographically derived
from specific attributes of the transaction or event. The
purpose is that an individual has a really easy-to-use,
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25. fast, intuitive experience whilst enterprises enjoy the
benefits of trusted identity assurance as well as
transaction verification, meaning that transactions are
subject to non-repudiation (this reduces friendly
fraud/chargeback risks for merchants and payment
processors).
What, according to you, could be the next significant
change in your sector? How is your company
preparing to be a part of that change?
I believe that identity assurance based on biometrics
will become de-facto, and we will see the growth of
online environments driven by advances in AI. The
Metaverse is part of this, but it also implicates other
complementary ecosystems that will develop, such as
voice commerce (your voice is your payment card). We
will also see ubiquitous AI-driven computing
interactions, whether on personal devices, in-vehicles,
or in-store. All or most of these systems will no longer
need keyboard inputs and will offer primarily voice-
based operating systems.
The need to accurately and ubiquitously authenticate
users will be consistent, and this is where we will see
voice biometric authentication really play a pivotal role
in this infrastructure. At the same time, bad actors will
continue to try to defeat these systems using ever more
sophisticated AI-based deep-fake attacks. This will be
relevant for online security, but also for political
discourse and propaganda, but critically being able to
determine what is real and what is not will be a
question again. We want to address these challenges
and are currently at the forefront of the industry in
terms of the ability to detect and prevent deep-fake
audio, synthetic speech and replay-attacks.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run,
and what are your future goals for your company?
I will always have a keen interest in technology, voice
and speech science in particular, so I expect I will
continue to play a mentoring and thought leadership
role in this industry for some time to come.
I expect that ValidSoft will continue to grow, thrive and
evolve, which may mean taking the company public in
due course or working with strategic partners to bring
our technology to the widest audiences and largest
markets.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the dynamic industry?
The main message is to never give up. Invest in R&D
and surround yourself with the brightest, most
experienced minds. Enjoy the experience of creating
something new and making a difference in the world we
live in, and we all need to be sensitive and conscious of
the environmental needs of the world we live in.
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26. The Importance of
Authentication
Authentication
Authentication
Solutions
n an era dominated by digital interactions and online
Iservices, the importance of robust authentication
solutions cannot be overstated. Authentication
plays a pivotal role in verifying the identities of users
and ensuring the security and integrity of digital
transactions. This article explores the significance of
authentication solutions in the digital age, highlighting
their role in protecting sensitive information,
preventing unauthorized access, and fostering trust in
the digital realm.
Protecting Sensitive Information:
Authentication solutions serve as a crucial defense
mechanism against unauthorized access to sensitive
information. In today's interconnected world, where
vast amounts of personal and financial data are stored
and exchanged digitally, ensuring that only authorized
individuals can access this information is paramount.
Strong authentication protocols, such as multi-factor
authentication (MFA), help protect sensitive data by
requiring users to provide multiple forms of
identification, such as passwords, security tokens, or
biometrics. This layered approach significantly reduces
the risk of data breaches and identity theft.
Preventing Unauthorized Access:
Unauthorized access to digital resources is a persistent
threat in the digital landscape. Weak or compromised
passwords can be easily exploited by hackers,
potentially leading to unauthorized access to user
accounts, financial data, or confidential business
information. Authentication solutions, particularly
those incorporating MFA or adaptive authentication
techniques, add an extra layer of security by requiring
users to provide additional verification factors beyond
passwords. This significantly enhances the security
posture, making it more challenging for malicious
actors to gain unauthorized access.
Mitigating Cyber Attacks:
Cyber attacks, such as phishing, social engineering, and
brute-force attacks, continue to evolve in
sophistication and frequency. Authentication solutions
play a crucial role in mitigating these attacks by
providing mechanisms to identify and block malicious
activities. For instance, by implementing real-time risk
assessment and anomaly detection, authentication
solutions can identify suspicious login attempts and
trigger additional verification steps, such as one-time
passcodes or biometric authentication, to validate the
user's identity. This proactive approach helps thwart
cyber attacks and protect both individuals and
organizations from potential harm.
Strengthening Regulatory Compliance:
In an increasingly regulated environment,
authentication solutions are instrumental in ensuring
compliance with industry-specific regulations and data
protection laws. Many sectors, such as finance,
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27. Stay Safe Online
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28. healthcare, and government, are subject to stringent
security requirements to safeguard sensitive
information. By implementing robust authentication
measures, organizations can demonstrate compliance
with these regulations, protect user privacy, and
mitigate the risk of penalties or legal repercussions.
Fostering Trust and User Experience:
Authentication solutions play a vital role in fostering
trust in the digital realm. When users feel confident
that their identities are protected, they are more likely
to engage in online activities, such as e-commerce
transactions, online banking, or accessing cloud-based
services. Additionally, by implementing user-friendly
authentication methods, such as biometrics or
passwordless authentication, organizations can
enhance the user experience, minimizing the friction
associated with complex password management and
improving overall user satisfaction.
Enabling Secure Digital Transformation:
As businesses undergo digital transformation,
authentication solutions become even more critical.
With the proliferation of cloud services, mobile
applications, and IoT devices, organizations need
secure and scalable authentication mechanisms to
protect access to these resources. Robust
authentication solutions enable seamless integration of
digital services and ensure that only authorized
individuals or devices can interact with sensitive data
and systems, thereby facilitating a smooth and secure
digital transformation journey.
Securing Digital Interactions:
Authentication solutions are fundamental to ensuring
the security and privacy of digital interactions. By
verifying the identities of users, these solutions
establish a trusted environment for communication,
transactions, and data exchange. Robust authentication
mechanisms, such as strong passwords, biometrics, or
multi-factor authentication (MFA), serve as barriers
against unauthorized access, protecting sensitive
information from falling into the wrong hands.
Implementing authentication solutions helps
individuals and organizations establish a secure digital
foundation, safeguarding their digital assets and
maintaining confidentiality.
Defending Against Cyber Threats:
The digital landscape is fraught with cyber threats,
including phishing attacks, malware infections, and
unauthorized access attempts. Authentication
solutions play a crucial role in defending against these
threats by providing robust barriers against
unauthorized entry. Multi-factor authentication, which
combines multiple credentials like passwords,
biometrics, or security tokens, significantly raises the
bar for attackers, making it more difficult for them to
breach systems or steal sensitive data. Strong
authentication mechanisms act as an effective
deterrent, mitigating the risk of account compromise,
identity theft, and data breaches.
Preserving Data Integrity:
Authentication solutions contribute to maintaining the
integrity of digital data. By verifying the authenticity of
users, these solutions ensure that data remains
unaltered and trustworthy during transmission or
storage. Digital signatures and encryption techniques,
often integrated into authentication solutions, protect
data from unauthorized modifications or tampering.
These measures are particularly vital in industries such
as finance, healthcare, and legal, where data integrity is
crucial for compliance, trust, and legal validity.
In today's digital landscape, authentication solutions
are indispensable for ensuring secure access,
protecting sensitive data, and mitigating cyber threats.
By securing digital interactions, defending against
malicious activities, and preserving data integrity, these
solutions lay the foundation for a trusted digital
environment. Organizations and individuals alike must
recognize.
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31. and
Human Intelligence
when
can do