iBeta Liveness trends H1 2024
October 1, 2024, by Axon Labs
Table of Contents
Introduction to iBeta Certification
iBeta is one of the leading testing labs for biometric systems, providing crucial certifications that ensure a system can accurately differentiate between real users and fraudulent entities. For companies in the e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) industry, achieving iBeta certification signals credibility and robust security measures.
Currently, less than 10% of companies in the e-KYC sector hold iBeta certification, indicating its selectivity and the stringent criteria involved in passing the tests.
Overview of iBeta Certification Levels
iBeta offers two levels of certification:
- Level 1: Tests against simpler 2D attacks, such as photos or videos used to impersonate users.
- Level 2: More advanced, testing systems’ resilience against sophisticated 3D attacks, including silicone masks.
Certifications Issued in H1 2024
As of the first half of 2024, iBeta has certified 85 companies over the past six years. In the first six months of 2024 alone, 18 certifications were issued, reflecting steady growth in the adoption of this standard since 2020. About 33% of these certifications were for the more advanced Level 2. Notably, nearly half of the companies receiving certification were certified for both levels.
Regional Distribution of Certifications
Regional data reveals that the vast majority of certifications came from Asia and Europe, which accounted for 90% of the total. Asia emerged as the leading region with around 50% of certifications in the first half of 2024, with countries like Vietnam, China, and Singapore becoming major hubs for e-KYC providers. In Europe, France was a key player, while in North America, the US was a standout.
Key Companies Leading the Certifications
Several companies led the charge in acquiring iBeta certifications:
Active vs. Passive Liveness Testing
One of the major trends observed was the dominance of Passive Liveness testing, which accounted for 70% of certifications. Passive Liveness, considered more convenient as it operates without requiring user interaction, has become the preferred choice for most companies.
In contrast, Active Liveness, where the user must perform a specific action (such as blinking), accounted for the remaining 30% of certifications.
Devices Used for iBeta Testing
When it comes to the devices used during testing, Android dominated the landscape, with 50% of companies using only Android devices, and the rest using a mix of Android and iOS. Interestingly, no certifications were reported for companies that exclusively used iOS for testing.
The average age of smartphones used in testing was three years, with the most popular devices being:
- Phone 13 Pro for iOS users.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 for Android users.
Growth and Future Outlook
The iBeta certification landscape continues to grow, with a strong focus on Asia and Europe. Passive Liveness remains the favored method for companies, while Android devices lead the way in certification testing. With 18 certifications already issued in the first half of 2024 and a trend towards more companies adopting iBeta standards, the e-KYC market shows no signs of slowing down.
