13 October 2008 - The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today launched the National Authentication Framework (NAF) Call-For-Collaboration (CFC) for interested companies to submit their proposals. When appointed, in the first half of 2009, the selected CFC participants will implement a nationwide service that will offer consumers the enhanced security of two-factor (2FA) authentication without having to carry multiple devices as they do today with the various e-services they access.
Singapore, 13 October 2008 | For Immediate Release
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today launched the National Authentication Framework (NAF) Call-For-Collaboration (CFC) for interested companies to submit their proposals. When appointed, in the first half of 2009, the selected CFC participants will implement a nationwide service that will offer consumers the enhanced security of two-factor (2FA) authentication without having to carry multiple devices as they do today with the various e-services they access.
The CFC will seek Authentication Operators (AOs), who will provide 2FA services to Service Providers (SPs) such as those in Government, finance and healthcare. AOs can offer multiple authentication devices and methods, depending on market needs. Consumers may hold more than one authentication device (eg a security token or an SMS One-Time-Password). However, regardless of the device a consumer chooses to use, that chosen device can be used to access multiple online e-services that require strong authentication.
The NAF is a key programme under IDA's 10-year Intelligent Nation Masterplan (iN2015) and aims to implement a secure and trusted enabling infrastructure needed to facilitate the delivery of online services offered by the public and private sectors.
In June 2008, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr Lee Boon Yang, announced the plan to develop the NAF at the Infocomm Media Business Exchange or imbX. He said that the Government is prepared to invest up to S$20 million towards this initiative. The funding support will be performance based to encourage the deployment and adoption of the NAF infrastructure.
The closing date for submission of bids for the NAF CFC is expected to be 12 December 2008. IDA expects to award the NAF CFC in the first half of 2009.
New Regulatory Framework to Govern AOs
IDA is currently reviewing a regulatory framework to regulate AOs. Such a framework would set the requirements such as security, confidentiality, reliability, service level standards and financial stability, which AOs will have to meet.
A public consultation was held from 29 August 2008 to 21 September 2008 to seek feedback on the enactment of a legislative framework to regulate AOs in Singapore. IDA is currently reviewing the feedback, before issuing a decision on the final regulatory regime, which is expected to be enacted in tandem with the roll-out of the NAF infrastructure.
IDA Chief Executive Officer RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay said: "The National Authentication Framework will offer a trusted and conducive platform for all to access online services from both the public and private sectors. Strong authentication is increasingly necessary as more e-services become available. For instance, with NAF, users can look forward to secure and trusted access to Next Generation Services, which could be available on the new all-fibre Next Gen National Broadband Network as early as 2010 onwards."
ISSUED BY CORPORATE & MARKETING COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Related Links:
- NAF Fact Sheet (36.43KB)
- Public Consultation on Proposed Enactment of Legislative Framework to Regulate Authentication Operators in Singapore
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more news and information, visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/.
For media clarification, please contact:
HO Ka Wei (Mr)
Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Fax: +65 6211 2227
E-mail: info@imda.gov.sg
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