Challenge flow

Challenge flow refers to a security protocol employed during online transactions to authenticate the identity. When additional verification is required, often due to perceived risk factors, the transaction enters a challenge flow. In this process, the transaction is redirected to a secure page, requiring the cardholder to provide supplementary information, which can include biometrics, two-factor authentication, or other methods aligned with factors.

Challenge flows are integral components of advanced security measures, adding an extra layer of protection against fraudulent activities in card-not-present transactions. By introducing dynamic elements of the process that only the legitimate cardholder can access, challenge flows enhance the authentication process and contribute to a more secure online payment environment.

Merchants and payment service providers implement challenge flows to balance the need for heightened security with the imperative of delivering a seamless and user-friendly transaction experience.