LaunchKey bakes the authentication into relying party’s app
19 May, 2015
category: Corporate, Digital ID, Financial
When a relying party wants to add multi-factor authentication, it traditionally involves downloading a third-party app or receiving a one-time password via SMS. LaunchKey wants to change this recipe with its white label product that bakes the authentication directly into a relying party’s application.
The company’s product enables a relying party to request additional authentication within an app, such as fingerprint, PIN or other factor, says Gabriel Shepard, director of business development at LaunchKey. The system can also use push notifications to confirm transactions or request additional authentication for access.
The company is focusing on health care, hospitality and the bitcoin market, Shepard says. For example, a health care institution might include LaunchKey in its mobile application, Shepard says. When a nurse needs to access a health IT system, the mobile app wills send a push notification requesting an additional authentication. Depending on what the nurse is attempting to access the authentication can also differ from a simple PIN to a biometric.
LaunchKey’s solution can also enable geo-fencing so that systems can only be accessed when the individual’s mobile device is in certain areas. It can also restrict access based on time as well, Shepard says. Both of these functions can also enable a password-less login experience, relying instead on the geo-fencing or other attributes.
In hospitality the system would work via a mobile device’s Bluetooth to enable access to rooms. After placing an online reservation the guest would receive an email requesting that they download the hotel’s app, Shepard says. The mobile device would then be paired with the email and as soon as they walked on the property they would receive a push notification telling them their room number and what time they can access it. Once the room is available they could go right to their room and unlock the door with Bluetooth low energy, completely bypassing the front desk.
“This maximizes app adoption and provides a better user experience,” Shepard adds.
LaunchKey is working on announcing some pilot projects for this summer, Shepard says. The company is working on a low cost model with a $10 per month rate for its white label product with unlimited users.