In a groundbreaking move, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the nation’s tech leader, has introduced a game-changing biometric fingerprint technology to fortify cybersecurity for its customers. This advanced measure not only safeguards identities but also raises the bar for data protection, effectively reducing fraud and identity theft.
Econet’s new biometric service offers a secure authentication process for various services, including new line registrations and SIM card replacements. As the world marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, the telecommunications giant stands at the forefront of innovation, aligning with the global effort to combat cyber threats.
Kezitor Makuni, the Chief Operating Officer of Econet, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to providing its customers with the highest level of security. He stated, “We are excited to launch our new biometric service and to offer our customers an added security layer at the point they access our products and services.”
Biometric authentication, known for its unparalleled security, ensures customer protection and significantly reduces fraud and identity theft. This move by Econet represents a pivotal moment in the Zimbabwean mobile telecommunications industry.
The need for heightened security measures has become increasingly evident as individuals and organizations fall prey to cybercrimes, especially identity theft. Econet’s biometric technology serves as a robust shield against identity theft and SIM swap fraud, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Makuni added, “Our biometric service will not only protect our customers from fraudulent, cybercriminal activities, but it will make it much easier for them to safely access and use our services.”
SIM swap fraud is a nefarious form of cybercrime where criminals manipulate a customer’s SIM card or steal their personal credentials, giving them access to personal data, financial records, and even the ability to impersonate the victim on social media.
Econet’s biometric service is now accessible to all its customers, regardless of their phone type, at the company’s outlets and distribution partners nationwide. To benefit from this enhanced security, customers must undergo a one-time biometric data registration process, which includes fingerprint and photo capture. With this data registered, customers can securely authenticate their identity when replacing a SIM card, purchasing a new line, or accessing any Econet service that requires authentication.
This visionary initiative by Econet sets a new standard in the telecommunications industry, placing customer security at the forefront of its operations. As the world grapples with cybersecurity challenges, Econet’s biometric technology stands as a beacon of hope, offering an effective solution to combat identity theft and fraud.
Source: [Newsday Zimbabwe]
