To enable operators to offer a consistent and standardised set of services for managing digital authentication and identity globally
Munich-based technology group Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) today announced the launch of a new service to provide improved security for consumers as they increasingly use mobile devices to carry out business and private transactions over the internet.
The service will combine the G&D’s SmartLicentio platform and its SIM cards with an applet that is compliant with the GSMA Mobile Connect SIM applet specification. It will enable mobile network operators to offer a consistent and standardised set of services for managing digital authentication and identity globally.
In addition to the flexibility and mobility that technology provides, consumers are concerned about the security of their data and personal information as the rise in phishing attempts and spyware make life harder for users.
By using this G&D solution, which will be making its debut at Mobile World Congress 2015 next week, mobile network operators will be able to equip customer SIM cards with two-factor authentication, clearing a convenient path for users to greater security in the mobile environment.
The two-factor authentication requires the end user to be in possession of their mobile device and be able to enter a PIN or personal code when prompted on their phone. This approach is independent of the respective operating system and can be used with any mobile device, as the required Mobile Connect SIM applet is stored on the SIM card and so is automatically controlled by the SIM toolkit.
“With this solution, we are working with the mobile network operators to offer the user a high degree of security and convenience,” explained Carsten Ahrens, group senior vice president and head of the telecommunication industries division at Giesecke & Devrient. “This is a form of two-factor authentication based on the phone number and the possession of the phone. Users hence don’t need to memorize several user IDs and passwords for all the services they use.”
This end to end solution is a contribution made by G&D as a founding member to the GSMA Mobile Connect Initiative, set up at Mobile World Congress 2014. The objective of this cross-industry consortium, which includes leading mobile network providers and technology companies, is to develop specification and implementation guidelines worldwide. Service providers, content suppliers and banks can offer trustworthy authentication via mobile network operators in this way.
Added Marie Austenaa, head of personal data, GSMA: “This is another important step forward for the adoption of GSMA Mobile Connect as it boosts user growth, as well as increases the availability of Mobile Connect-enabled services. Mobile Connect brings together an ecosystem of trusted mobile operators and service providers to offer consumers the ability to use their mobile phone to manage their access to online services, giving them greater control and a means of access that is more secure and convenient.”
