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Telcos to offer single log-in option across online services

SINGAPORE — Keying in your mobile phone number will soon be all it takes to log in to various online accounts, when the three local telcos jointly roll out a new identity-authentication platform.

SINGAPORE — Keying in your mobile phone number will soon be all it takes to log in to various online accounts, when the three local telcos jointly roll out a new identity-authentication platform.

That means consumers will no longer have to remember multiple usernames and passwords for different online accounts — provided these websites sign on to the platform. Instead, a prompt will appear on their mobile phone when they click on an icon on a participating website. Enter the mobile phone number on the handset and users will be logged in.

For websites with more stringent security standards, consumers will need to key in a PIN, which works across this Mobile Connect platform.

The first wave of supported online services is expected to be announced in the second half of next year, said the telcos Singtel, StarHub and M1 on Tuesday (Nov 29). Potentially, the list could include telecommunications, banking, e-commerce, entertainment, government, and travel services and applications, they added.

When asked how they would attract sites to use this platform, the telcos said: “We are keen to engage with all parties, including government agencies, so consumers can enjoy a wide selection of Mobile Connect-enabled services. As a first step, we are targeting online service providers with whom we have an existing relationship.”

Mobile Connect is developed by GSM Association (GSMA), which represents the interests of nearly 800 mobile providers worldwide. Launched last year, the platform is already available in 22 countries, including China, Indonesia and Malaysia, according to the Mobile Connect website.

According to GSMA, 87 per cent of consumers leave a website when they are asked to register. About two in five consumers use the “forget password” feature every month, reflecting users’ difficulties in remembering their growing list of logon details, said the telcos. 

Given that all three telcos here are on board, online service providers will stand to gain by signing on to Mobile Connect, the telcos said. “They will be able to offer simpler sign-ups, reduce customer frustration and abandoned transactions due to authentication issues, and increase the likelihood of repeat business,” they added.

Analysts said this form of identity authentication are secure and convenient, although users will have to scramble to disable the function should they lose their mobile phone.

Mr Clement Teo, principal analyst at research firm Ovum, said the system authenticates a user’s identity using a mobile network operator’s private and secure channels, which trumps traditional authentication processes that go through the public Internet. This makes it harder for hackers to send fraudulent messages or authentication prompts to users.

Mr Anthony Lim, director of the Cloud Security Alliance, added that such systems are meant to be secure because they are purpose built.

“But if a phone is stolen, or has malware, or it was jailbroken, then the authentication might be hijacked (by a cyber criminal) or it might fail,” he said. “Also, the question is what if one’s mobile phone is lost or broken, then they can’t use the service or need alternative or conventional authentication means.”

While the telcos are yet to finalise how the platform would work, Mr Teo said there are existing ways to guard against risks in the event a user loses his mobile phone. For instance, iPhone users can disable their sets remotely via iCloud, rendering their mobile phone unusable.

Asked why Singapore was only moving to implement this system now, Mr Teo said it was possible that telcos were waiting for more widespread adoption and for the technology to be more mature before rolling it out.

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