What Is Biometric Security?

Biometric security uses unique human features, such as your face, fingerprints, or voice, to verify your identity. Unlike passwords or PINs, biometrics are nearly impossible to duplicate, making them one of the safest ways to protect your money.

With digital finance on the rise in Nigeria, biometric tools are becoming a key part of mobile apps, wallets, and virtual cards.

Why Biometrics Are Better Than PINs

• They’re unique to you
  No one has your exact fingerprint or facial pattern, reducing the risk of fraud.
• You can’t forget them
  Unlike passwords or PINs, biometrics are always with you.
• Faster logins
  Unlocking your app or confirming a transaction with a glance or fingerprint is quicker and more seamless.
• Lower risk of theft
  Even if your phone is stolen, biometric protection keeps intruders locked out.

Where Biometrics Are Used in Nigeria

Many digital finance platforms now offer biometric security, including:

• Mobile banking apps like Kuda and GTWorld
• Wallet apps such as Figur or Intabreej
• Savings and loan platforms like Carbon or PiggyVest
• Fintech platforms like Figur (used for secure access to virtual dollar cards)

Biometric security is typically built into your smartphone and works with your app. For example, a user might scan their fingerprint to authorise a payment or use Face ID to log in to their account.

Biometric Tools in Action

Here’s how these technologies work:

Biometric Tool	Function
Fingerprint Scan	Unlock apps, authorize payments instantly
Face ID	Facial recognition for login and verification
Voice Recognition	Used in call-based banking verification

These tools are integrated into your smartphones and supported by backend security systems, i.e encryption, two-factor authentication, and fraud monitoring.

How Figur Enhances Security with Biometrics

Figur uses biometric options to secure user accounts and transactions. Whether you’re setting up your virtual dollar card or checking your balance, Face ID or fingerprint login offers a secure, frictionless experience.

In cases of suspected fraud or login attempts from unknown devices, biometric prompts can provide a layer of verification, giving you peace of mind.

The Future of Biometric Security in Nigeria

Biometrics are quickly becoming the gold standard for digital finance. As smartphone adoption increases across the country, more platforms will integrate biometric verification to enhance safety and user trust.

Expect innovations like:

• Multi-biometric authentication: Using both face and fingerprint together
• Biometric-linked credit scoring: Matching ID verification to financial history
• AI-powered fraud detection: Learning from your login patterns to detect unusual behaviour

Biometric security isn’t just a tech feature; it’s a safeguard for your digital life. Whether you’re making payments, managing savings, or funding your wallet, Face ID and fingerprints offer a fast, secure way to keep your finances protected.

Apps like Figur make it easy to combine convenience with protection, because in today’s world, security should never slow you down.