Real Estate News

LSTAR is first in North America to tackle identity fraud with voice biometrics

I thought I would share this  interesting article with you:

Quebec, April, 2009 - The London St. Thomas Association of REALTORS^® (LSTAR) is the first real estate board in North America to integrate a security system that uses voice recognition to protect its MLS^® data. Not only does voice recognition allow clients to counter identity fraud, but it also helps identify the fraudulent parties involved, acting as a deterrent from fraudulent practices.

In a preemptive strike against identity theft, real estate boards are looking for technology that is both affordable and easy to use. Our voice is as trustworthy and unique as a digital fingerprint. Not only is this technology used as a way to identify ourselves, our voice also offers the possibility of a superior degree of security. Voice authentication cannot be shared, borrowed, or reproduced, and all users need is their voice and a telephone.

This technology relies on the fact that vocal characteristics, like fingerprints, are unique to each person. When a member attempts to access the MLS^®, the Doorman™ verifies their identity by authenticating their voice combined with their MLS^® access code and password.

After analyzing other security options, LSTAR opted for a natural, non-intrusive technology - voice biometrics. "We selected Touchbase Doorman to protect our MLS system because it offered the most convenience for our members," says Joe Hough, President of LSTAR. "While almost invisible to those disciplined users, Doorman targets the suspicious logins. We are excited to provide our members with a practical security solution using Doorman's proven voice recognition technology." And Alain Brunel, Touchbase Real Estate Vice-President, says the timing is perfect for LSTAR’s members to take a proactive stance on identity fraud. "According to Javelin Strategy and Research*, over $56 billion was lost to identity theft in the U.S. in 2006. Data security and identity theft are major concerns in the real estate industry, requiring MLS^® organizations and brokers to implement strong authentication standards for their systems ," says Brunel. “Especially with the economic situation, it is urgent to protect non-public data. The use of our voice offers very efficient, convenient protection, and we are very happy that LSTAR has opted to use our intelligent voice recognition system for their security. Voice biometrics are affordable and easy to use."