ABSA Banking App facial biometrics

I

IT_Steven

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Hi

I'm looking to install the ABSA banking app on a new phone and make it my primary device, and it seems this can only be done by submitting to a facial biometric scan which from what I can gather links up with data at Home Affairs for comparison.

However, I have concerns around privacy and data handling. Given past security leaks at the bank, lack of transparency about how and where biometric data is stored, and also whether third parties are used for comparisons, I'm not yet comfortable submitting facial biometrics through the app.

My question is simple:
Is there any alternative process, such as going to a branch in person, that allows me to complete this setup without submitting facial biometrics via the app?

Please note: I'm aware of the standard procedure, and I'm not looking to debate the merits of biometric security - only to find out if an alternative exists.

Thanks in advance.
 
IT_Steven said:
Hi

I'm looking to install the ABSA banking app on a new phone and make it my primary device, and it seems this can only be done by submitting to a facial biometric scan which from what I can gather links up with data at Home Affairs for comparison.

However, I have concerns around privacy and data handling. Given past security leaks at the bank, lack of transparency about how and where biometric data is stored, and also whether third parties are used for comparisons, I'm not yet comfortable submitting facial biometrics through the app.

My question is simple:
Is there any alternative process, such as going to a branch in person, that allows me to complete this setup without submitting facial biometrics via the app?

Please note: I'm aware of the standard procedure, and I'm not looking to debate the merits of biometric security - only to find out if an alternative exists.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Worried about a Bank's face scan to compare to the biometric data already sitting at Home Affairs, when your face is probably on a camera in public almost every time you go out lol.

Its perfectly safe there's nothing wrong with it. The alternative of course is to go to a branch (where your face will appear on at least 4 CCTV cameras and other scanners before making it to the Banker) and be verified in person... :)
 
I don't recall doing any facial biometrics, i log into the app via fingerprint
 
Tun@ said:
I don't recall doing any facial biometrics, i log into the app via fingerprint
Click to expand...
If you link your app to your account after installing/reinstalling it you have to do the biometric verification.

To the OP, honestly I hear you, but as neoprema and others mentioned your biometric info is already readily available.

What was that popular Chinese CCTV system that feeds info to China for the betterment of all?

Think it was Hikvision. China is a strong and beautiful country.
 
Last edited:
I got a new phone and had to install absa. I think used fingerprint and delinked othee device and linked new device. Can't remember having to do a facescan. Tyme bank I had to do a facescan.
 
Tun@ said:
I don't recall doing any facial biometrics, i log into the app via fingerprint
Click to expand...

RedViking said:
I got a new phone and had to install absa. I think used fingerprint and delinked othee device and linked new device. Can't remember having to do a facescan. Tyme bank I had to do a facescan.
Click to expand...

Fingerprint is still biometrics and would raise the same privacy concerns the OP has.
 
IIRC, if you are old and haven't been reprocessed by Home Affairs, and if you fail the face scan enough times on the ABSA app, it will just default to the former authentication method. Know your bank account number, your password, your PIN, and whatever else they request.

This said, my face is scanned at Home Affairs, but the bank fails my face recognition every time. My fingerprints are functional.

Also said, if you don't have your smart ID yet, just go do it, and have your face scanned.
 
Fulcrum29 said:
IIRC, if you are old and haven't been reprocessed by Home Affairs, and if you fail the face scan enough times on the ABSA app, it will just default to the former authentication method. Know your bank account number, your password, your PIN, and whatever else they request.
Click to expand...
I actually reinstalled the app for this thread and it asked for a face scan, but didn't know about the backup method.

Fulcrum29 said:
This said, my face is scanned at Home Affairs, but the bank fails my face recognition every time. My fingerprints are functional.
Click to expand...

Bizarre.
 
You are worried about facial biometric data but keep your money with them? Wild.
 
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