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E-commerce Glossary

What is a SCA (Strong Customer Authentication)?

Understanding SCA (Strong Customer Authentication) in E-commerce

Quick Definition

Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) is a mandatory European payment security regulation requiring multi-factor authentication for online transactions. It mandates customers verify identity through two independent validation methods, reducing fraud and enhancing digital payment security for transactions over €30.

1 min read

Understanding Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)

Authentication Requirements

  • Knowledge Factor: Something the customer knows (password, PIN)
  • Possession Factor: Something the customer owns (mobile device, card)
  • Inherence Factor: Something unique to the customer (biometrics, fingerprint)

Impact on E-commerce

Potential Conversion Challenges

Additional authentication steps might increase cart abandonment rates

Fraud Reduction

Significant decrease in unauthorized transactions and payment fraud

Merchant Considerations

E-commerce platforms must integrate SCA-compliant payment flows. Tools like Growth Suite can help merchants smoothly implement these security protocols without disrupting user experience, ensuring both regulatory compliance and customer trust.

Strategic implementation is key: minimize friction while maintaining robust security standards.

Put SCA (Strong Customer Authentication) into Practice

Ready to apply these concepts to your store? Growth Suite provides the tools you need to implement effective sca (strong customer authentication) strategies.