How Halifax wants to use your heartbeat as a security device
Bank security just took a step into the future, after the Halifax introduced a system that uses your heartbeat to identify you.
Forget pin numbers and card readers – this system uses a Nymi wristband, which can read the rhythm of the wearer's heart. According to its makers, everyone's heartbeat is different – which makes it the perfect authentication device.
Not only does the wristband sense the wearer's heartbeat, it can work out where they are – if they're anywhere near a device which allows them to access their account, it will unlock it.
And even if you're feeling a bit stressed over your account balance, the wristband will still be able to tell it's you – it works by measuring the shape of the wearer's electrocardiogram (ECG) wave, rather than their heart rate.
At the moment, the lender said the system is at an early stage – but that it's being trialed with customers at the moment.