Two years ago, few would believe that television commercials would be touting biometric technology. But today, ads promoting payments with your fingerprint and iPhone run on primetime TV and Intel has a commercial marketing its True Key facial recognition technology with actor Jim Parsons of Big Bang Theory fame.

For years authentication has been a thorny issue for banks and financial institutions, particularly in the world of mobile services. While some may tout scary, creepy authentication technologies there are plenty of options that will make mobile identification simple and secure.

In the past 40 years, fingerprint science has moved from examiners studying ink-stained sheets with magnifying glasses to Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), which use computer systems and software to pull up possible matches. There is still a human element to these systems as they have grown in use outside of law enforcement to conduct background checks and for other purposes.

LastPass is enabling its users with the Apple watch to have access to their passwords and secure notes through the new device; Encap Security announced support for Samsung’s fingerprint scanner as part the 3.0 version release of its Smarter Authentication platform; Meditab Inc. has chosen Exostar’s ProviderPass to extend delivery of electronic prescription for controlled substances functionality.

HID Global introduced the ActivID Tap Authentication platform; Suprema announced the launch of BioStation 2, a new fingerprint terminal; Janrain announced the launch of its Customer Identity Management platform within China; AMAG Technology announced that its Symmetry security management system has been approved by the GSA.

Quantum Secure acquired by HID Global; FIS adding the ability to access account information and withdrawal cash at ATMs with Apple’s Touch ID; 7Layers and FIME partner for testing and certification in the NFC-enabled handset market.

MedImpact, a pharmacy benefit manager, is enabling physicians to use the FIDO Alliance protocol to use biometrics for access to patient prescription records.

Microsoft announced that the latest version of its operating system will come equipped with Windows Hello and support finger, face and iris biometrics. If a system already comes with a fingerprint scanner it can automatically be enabled for the consumer to access the system, web sites or applications. Facial and iris recognition will require additional hardware.

GlobalSign debuted its Identity Relationship and Access Management solution designed to simplify the management of customer and partner identities and their access to e-Service and portals; Identiv Inc. announced that it has entered a partnership with 3M to integrate its readers into 3M’s MiY multi-factor authentication biometric devices; Zwipe has joined the aptiQ Alliance Program; 10Duke releases its cloud-based Identity-as-a Service product.

The stalwart of biometric authentication has long been fingerprints, with implementations ranging from high-security physical access to unlocking a mobile phone. But while other biometric modalities have made public strides in recent years, the fingerprint has been quietly taken for granted as a secure authenticator. Some are offering a new spin on the old modality by enabling it to be touchless.