A card-payment authentication protocol that lets an issuer assess a card-not-present transaction and, when risk warrants it, challenge the cardholder before authorization. Modern versions support risk-based, low-friction flows as well as step-up authentication.
3-D Secure (3DS) can affect how identity, fraud, security, or compliance requirements are interpreted. Use the definition as a starting point, then confirm the scope, owner, measurement method, and evidence behind the term in the specific policy, product, or workflow being reviewed.
When 3-D Secure (3DS) appears in a vendor claim, control description, policy, or assessment, record the exact meaning being used and the boundary it covers. Ask what is measured, which systems and users are in scope, what evidence supports the claim, how exceptions are handled, and when the evidence was last reviewed. Similar labels can describe different implementations, so a term match alone is not proof that a requirement is met.
Do not assume that two policies, standards, or products use 3-D Secure (3DS) in exactly the same way. A label may describe an objective, a technical mechanism, an operating process, a measurement, or a commercial feature. Check the surrounding definition and avoid expanding a narrow statement into a broader assurance claim.
For a durable review, note the authoritative source, publication or version date, applicable system boundary, and any thresholds or exclusions. If the meaning is disputed or changes over time, preserve both the original wording and the interpretation used for the decision. That makes later reassessment possible without treating this glossary entry as a substitute for the governing source.
Category: authentication. This entry is part of the Identity Technologist Glossary, a practitioner reference for identity verification, KYC/AML, biometrics, fraud prevention, authentication, security, and compliance terminology.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-03