Multi-factor authentication for e-prescribing controlled substances has been a long time coming. The feds passed the regulations years ago but physicians are just starting to comply as confusion over the mandate persists.

With concerns surrounding how to authenticate an identity online there are few options. This is changing and Confirm.io has built functionality that enables companies to build driver license verification into a mobile application.

ABI Research forecasts the global biometrics market will reach more than $30 billion by 2021; Vision-Box is providing facial recognition technology to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a deployment at three JFK arrival terminals; Infineon Technologies AG in collaboration with Mobile Payment Solutions Co. Ltd. have launched a new NFC security module series designed for fitness trackers and other wearables.

After the 2001 terrorist attacks a lot of wild claims were made about facial recognition technology. The modality might finally be living up to the hype. Microsoft has enabled it for access with Hello for Windows 10 users, MasterCard wants to use it to verify payments and other financial institutions are using it to authenticate customers on mobile devices. Still, it’s use spotting suspects in crowds and protecting airports and borders remains the brass ring for security professionals.

Researchers on the International Space Station are using PKI and digital certificates to secure research with earthbound scientists; in news that may not be surprising to IT security professionals, passwords are failing; ABI Research forecasts the global biometrics market will reach more than $30 billion by 2021; FIDO Alliance hosting financial services seminar.

NEC Corp. has developed a biometric system that measures an individual’s ear canal for identification. The technology uses an earbud to measure individually unique acoustic characteristics and takes about a second.

Yet another spoof of mobile biometrics has emerged, calling into question the security of the systems but there are factors these spoofers are leaving out. But don’t panic, just take a deep breath and realize that breaking into these systems isn’t as easy as some would like you to think.

Gemalto was selected by Jordan’s Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology for the country’s new citizen ID program; The FIDO Alliance announced that NTT DOCOMO, INC. has extended its deployment of FIDO Certified strong authentication to its customers with Apple iOS devices; Crossmatch announced the addition of contextual security features to its DigitalPersona Altus multi-factor authentication platform.