eBay is moving beyond the password in its mobile app. The company has announced new security options for users, including One Time Passwords and Touch ID authentication.
The OTP security will be available on both Android and iOS. It replaces the standard password with a unique code texted to the user, which can be entered into the mobile app for sign-in. In a post on the company’s website, eBay explained that the mechanism “removes login friction on both desktop computers and mobile devices for millions of eBay users, as they no longer need to remember their passwords.”
Meanwhile, the iOS-exclusive Touch ID security enables biometric authentication. By letting users scan their fingerprints on their iPhones to gain account access, the Touch ID support swaps cumbersome password security with the touch of a finger.
The new security options come in the wake of eBay’s joining the FIDO Alliance earlier this year, and appear to reflect a maturing ethos with respect to digital user security. They also reflect broader trends in IT, with numerous other organizations also supporting more sophisticated, post-password security options.
Of course, the moves are also part of a general effort on eBay’s part to improve the user experience, and come along with the announcement of Android Wear support. In addition to the more advanced login security available via smartphone, Android users can now better enjoy the wearables experience via detailed Android Wear smartwatch notifications.
Follow Us