TNG eWallet To Reintroduce Biometric Security Features For Payment Authentication

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

21st December 2023 - 3 min read

Touch ‘n Go (TNG) eWallet is set to re-enable biometric verification methods for the authentication of payments, allowing users to enjoy a more secure and convenient process when paying for their purchases. Additionally, they may also utilise a new PassKey feature to log in to their TNG eWallet accounts without the need for passwords.

With regard to the biometric security features for payment authentication, TNG eWallet users will be able to opt for either face or fingerprint ID (Face and Touch ID) to approve a variety of payments, including DuitNow QR transactions and reloads on the enhanced TNG card. Once you’ve enabled the feature, simply let the app scan your face, or press the pad of your finger against the fingerprint sensor when prompted during the payment process to verify your transactions. If these biometric verification methods were to fail twice in a row, you can still opt to authenticate your transaction using the usual six-digit PIN instead.

To note, TNG eWallet’s terms and conditions document has also been updated to accommodate the inclusion of these biometric security features. While the document noted that the features will take effect only in January 2024, some users may have already been able to tap into them as early as this week, as TNG eWallet gradually rolls them out to its customer base.

For context, TNG eWallet’s biometric security feature for payment authentication – specifically the face recognition feature – is not exactly new. It was first introduced back in 2021, but was eventually disabled for upgrades. When it was subsequently reintroduced, its function was limited only to identity verification for when users launch the TNG eWallet app.

Aside from that, TNG eWallet has also introduced the PassKey security feature for users to conveniently and securely log in to their app without having to key in a password. Instead, you will utilise biometric authentication to do so, also in the form of face and fingerprint ID.

In its FAQ, TNG eWallet further noted that the PassKey is a “new secure login method” that was created by the FIDO Alliance and World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Briefly, FIDO Alliance is described as an industry association that “promotes the development of, use of, and compliance with standards for authentication and device attestation” – ultimately reducing the world’s reliance on passwords. The W3C, meanwhile, is an international non-profit organisation where its members and staff work with the public to “develop web standards”.

To set up the biometric security features for both payment authentication and the Passkey, head on over to your TNG eWallet profile. If the features have been enabled for you – and your device supports them – you should see the option to do so within the Security tab. The setup process is fairly straightforward, and you will be guided and prompted throughout the whole process.

(Sources: SoyaCincau, TNG eWallet T&C)

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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