Abstract: A computer-implemented method of authenticating an identity of a specific user is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of acquiring a first data set representative of a voice of a user over a time interval between a first and second time, and providing the first data set as input to a computing device. The method further comprises acquiring a second data set representative of a visual appearance of at least a portion of the user over the time interval between the first and second time, and providing the second data set as input to the computing device.

Abstract: A method for configuring a speech recognition system comprises obtaining a speech sample utilised by a voice authentication system in a voice authentication process. The speech sample is processed to generate acoustic models for units of speech associated with the speech sample. The acoustic models are stored for subsequent use by the speech recognition system as part of a speech recognition process.