Intelligent Environments has launched an emotive alternative to PIN-only passcodes with a system that enables consumers to log into their banks using four emoji characters.
The firm's ‘Emoji Passcode’, which it has integrated into its Android digital banking app, allows consumers to choose from a bank of 44 different graphics.
Intelligent Environments claims that the technology is more secure than traditional PIN-only codes as it offers 480 times more permutations and prevents hackers from identifying common and easily obtainable numerical codes, like a date of birth or a wedding anniversary. It also claims to be easier for user's to remember, citing scientific research that show humans are more adept at remembering pictures that numbers.
The world's first Emoji passcode from Intelligent Environments on Vimeo.
Intelligent Environments launched the feature in response to research showing Brits find it hard to remember numerical passcodes. The firm says it is in discussion with banks which are interested in implementing the technology within the next twelve months.
David Webber, manager director at Intelligent Environments, says the technology has been developed with the demands of millennials in mind.
“We’ve had input from lots of millennials when we developed the technology," he says. "What’s clear is that the younger generation is communicating in new ways. Our research shows 64% of millennials regularly communicate only using emojis. So we decided to reinvent the passcode for a new generation by developing the world’s first emoji security technology.”