Dubai, UAE – January 22, 2025-The Middle East and Africa are driving adoption of biometric MFA to tackle cyber threats and boost security, leveraging national ID programs and AI technologies.
A new era of digital security is unfolding as biometric multi-factor authentication (MFA) takes center stage in the Middle East and Africa. Governments and businesses are embracing cutting-edge identity systems to combat rising cyber threats and streamline user authentication.
In 2024, Morocco issued over 4.6 million biometric ID cards, while the UAE’s digital ID platform, UAE Pass, saw enrollment soar to 7.2 million users. Meanwhile, the National Bank of Egypt rolled out a single sign-on system, integrating biometrics for both employees and millions of customers.
These are greenfield opportunities. National initiatives are bringing biometrics to the forefront, showcasing their power and reliability.
The move to biometrics addresses the region’s vulnerabilities. Africa faces the world’s highest cyber risks, with 61% of businesses planning mitigation strategies for 2025.
Similarly, 42% of Middle Eastern organizations are prioritizing cyber-risk management, driven by digital expansion and regulatory mandates like Saudi Arabia’s Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC-1:2018).
Chris Murphy, Managing Director at FTI Consulting said:
Smartphone-based biometric authentication is redefining security in public and private sectors. AI-driven solutions like facial recognition are ensuring both security and usability.
Despite progress, only 19% of African companies and 12% in the Middle East invest in identity and access management (IAM) technologies. Experts stress the need for broader adoption, highlighting the critical role biometrics will play in preventing fraud and enhancing digital trust.
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