Allied Irish Banks is testing a voice verification system that maps users' vocal cords to authenticate their identities.

The identity of an internal user requiring a new password is verified by the helpdesk in the usual way, and their voice is mapped by software before being assigned a password.

The next time that person makes a call the software can use the model of the vocal tract to verify their identify.

The system has its roots in military voice identification systems and maps over 100 nodes in the vocal chords to provide a 3D model of the throat.

"Once the voice is mapped all such password activities can be carried out automatically after the user has read out some test digits," said Vance Harris, chief technology officer at VoiceVault, which installed the system.

"It doesn't matter if you've got a cold, or are a bit hoarse, as the algorithm takes note of that. But the position of the nodes in your throat in relation to each other doesn't change, so you still get an accurate identification."

Harris indicated that the system cut calls to helpdesks about passwords to virtually none once enough people were registered on the system.

VoiceVault claims a success rate of over 99 per cent, and the system can be run on 100 per cent accuracy with fewer than two per cent false negatives.

Allied Irish Banks is using the system internally at this stage, but this could be extended to all customers in the future.