Waterbury-based Webster Bank this month began utilizing Apple’s Touch ID authentication with its mobile app.

The Touch ID biometric technology, which is available only on the Apple iPhone 5S and iPhone 6/6Plus smartphones, will allow users to securely access their account information on their phones by swiping a finger. The bank is one of the first in the nation to adopt the technology, according to a press release.

Customers using Touch ID will be able to see their account balances and transactions, but will have to log in using their regular account name and password to initiate transfers, payments and other transactions, according to a press release, in order to safeguard accounts.

"Over a third of Webster customers routinely access their accounts using smartphones, and a significant proportion of them have iPhones. With Touch ID, Webster customers with the iPhone 5S or iPhone 6/6Plus will be literally one touch away from their account information," Nitin Mhatre, executive vice president in charge of Webster’s Community Bank, said in a statement.

Webster customers wishing to use Touch ID need to update the bank’s app or download the Webster mobile banking app at the App Store.