As online threats become more sophisticated, multifactor authentication (MFA) has emerged as a critical tool for protecting customer accounts and transactions without compromising user experience. For retail and e-commerce fraud teams attending the Fraud Prevention Summit, choosing the right MFA partner requires balancing security, speed, scalability, and customer satisfaction...
1. Authentication Speed and UX
In a world where every second counts, authentication delays can cause friction, and cart abandonment. A strong MFA partner must offer lightweight, fast authentication flows that don’t interrupt the checkout experience. Look for options like biometric verification, push-based approvals, or adaptive authentication that tailors the challenge to the level of risk. Solutions that minimise manual input, such as passwordless authentication, are also gaining traction for their speed and simplicity.
2. Scalability Across High-Traffic Events
E-commerce peaks, like Black Friday, seasonal sales, and flash promotions, require authentication systems that can scale instantly. Choose a provider with a cloud-native architecture and proven success in handling millions of concurrent sessions without latency or downtime. Ask for client examples during high-traffic events and review uptime SLAs to ensure their infrastructure can support your busiest days.
3. Mobile-First Compatibility
With the majority of UK online shopping now occurring via mobile devices, MFA must be optimised for iOS and Android. Top providers support in-app biometric prompts, device fingerprinting, and integration with mobile wallets and native apps. SDK availability, user experience across operating systems, and fallback methods for SMS/email should all be evaluated during trials.
4. Fraud Detection and Risk-Based Authentication
MFA effectiveness isn’t just about adding a second factor, it’s about recognising when and how to step up security. Leading platforms now include risk engines that assess behaviour, device reputation, location anomalies, and historical patterns to determine the appropriate level of authentication. Look for vendors who combine MFA with fraud scoring, bot detection, and real-time response to suspicious activity.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Data Privacy
MFA solutions must meet the compliance standards relevant to UK retailers, particularly PSD2, GDPR, and industry-specific frameworks like PCI-DSS. Ensure vendors store and process authentication data in secure, compliant environments and offer tools to support audit trails, consent management, and breach response.
The right vendor will empower your fraud team to protect customers without creating friction, enabling secure growth across mobile, web, and omnichannel retail environments.
Are you searching for Multifactor Authentication solutions for your organisation? The Fraud Prevention Summit can help!
Photo by Alex Hudson on Unsplash
