Serious Flaws in SASSA System Make it Vulnerable to Fraud
Unclear why same investigators, with unclear qualifications for the job, have presented more or less the same obvious findings to Parliament a second time
Biometric
Beware of fake COVID-19 SRD application sites
Beware of fake COVID-19 SRD application sites
The Department of Social Development and it's entity the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), have warned the public of fake sites and links for applications for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (cSRD) grants.
The correct and authentic application platform for all applications for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress is https://SRD.sassa.gov.za .
The following links: https://srd-sassa.org.za and https://srdsassagov.co.za are fake and are used to collect data from unsuspecting applicants, stealing personal information from applicants of the grant of R370.
This was revealed in Parliament on Wednesday when the Portfolio Committee on Social Development received an update into the investigation on alleged weaknesses and fraud in the application and payment system of social grants.
The Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe instituted an investigation into vulnerabilities of the applications and systems used by SASSA for the payment of social grants.
The Portfolio Committee on Social Development had made recommendations to conduct an investigation on alleged vulnerabilities after claims of fraud in the application system of the cSRD were made by two students from the University of Stellenbosch.
“Phase 1 of the investigation consisted of a comprehensive audit into the SRD application system administered by SASSA to determine the extent to which the system was exposed to Fraud.
“The findings of this audit will serve as input as a basis for Phase 2, which will be an investigation into alleged fraud and weaknesses in the broader social grant system that results in ineligible beneficiaries receiving social grants,” said the Department of Social Development in a statement.
The Final Report on the Vulnerability Assessment (VA) and Penetration Testing (PT) on the SRD online system administered by SASSA made the following findings, among others:
- That there are unidentified, malicious websites with .org and .co.za domain names that purport to be the authentic SRD application websites that are used to harvest applicants information for fraud purposes
- That the SRD web application has weaknesses, such as unencrypted communications, that present threats to the security of the platform and the safety of users. These weaknesses are classified as medium risk by the Final Audit Report.
The Final Audit recommends a communication campaign warning beneficiaries and applicants about the unofficial and fake sites that are used to harvest their information for fraudulent purposes.
The department said SASSA has developed an action plan to respond to the recommendations of the Final Audit Report. It has the following activities:
- It has replaced the HTTPS: method with a POST method to protect communications between the applicant and the server that processes their information.
-To implement a Rate Limit to limit the abnormal number of requests made to the SRD application system
- Update outdated software, and
- Implement regular patch updates and introduce biometric
In the long term, and within 18 months, SASSA will take down the fake websites and other content that violates its brand, copyright or right to information and privacy.
Minister Tolashe has assured the committee of her commitment in addressing the vulnerabilities and weaknesses identified in the system. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 02/26/2025 - 15:38
184 views
SASSA to Suspend SRD Grants Where Fraud Is Suspected
But the electronic system which allows beneficiaries to prove their identities has also been suspended
How the SRD Grant System Has Been Defrauded
Poor systems enabled it
ACSA urges passengers to arrive early for flights
ACSA urges passengers to arrive early for flights
To manage the high volumes of passengers expected at OR Tambo International Airport this festive season, holidaymakers are advised to arrive three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights, as they head to their various travel destinations.
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) issued a warning on Monday about longer queues at the passport control points at OR Tambo due to a failure in the border management system.
ACSA reported that the unresponsiveness of the Border Management Authority (BMA) biometric movement control system was causing these extended queues.
The incident affected on-time performance, which dropped to 62% on 16 December, before recovering to 85% the following day after interventions.
At a media briefing on Thursday, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu suggested alternative arrangements for the festive season, such as allowing more time for international travellers to arrive at the airport.
Mpofu stated that the busiest day is generally the first Friday after schools close, which was on 13 December 2024. ACSA also expects Friday, 20 December, to be the busiest day of the entire peak season.
“And that would give us 20 886 international passengers coming through, and that's both departures and arrival. And 39 423 domestic travellers on 20 of December.”
The airport anticipates 696 000 international passengers and 262 000, on peak days, from today until Christmas Eve on 24 December.
The briefing was held at OR Tambo in Johannesburg and comes as more people are expected to travel in and out of the country this festive season.
The briefing focused on transparency, accountability, and the need for public cooperation.
Mpofu also emphasised the importance of the airport as a gateway to the world and its role in the economy, particularly during the festive season.
She also stressed the importance of facilitating passengers and the negative impact of disruptions on the economy.
“We take our passengers seriously, but the negative impact on the economy that comes with disruptions in the flow of passengers during peak season is a matter needing serious attention.
“OR Tambo International Airport now serves as a very important gateway during peak season, particularly, and plays an important role as one of our key international airports with three ports of entry.”
The CEO also discussed the preparation for the peak season starting in September, involving stakeholder engagement and plan submissions.
She stated that the recent incidents were unplanned and did not result from a lack of planning and expressed disappointment at these events.
“Our ecosystem works based on multiple stakeholders, and I think it’s important to indicate that that’s why, when we speak as ACSA, we do so after consultation with the rest of the stakeholders on our platform.”
She also stressed the importance of public awareness about parking arrangements and the availability of long-term parking with shuttles.
Jet fuel
Mpofu also addressed the incident related to jet fuel and the subsequent analysis of the dry shaft and discussed upgrading the jet fuel system by March 2025.
“Aviation is a highly safety-sensitive area where nothing can go wrong, and as such, we are also really disappointed in the events that have happened, because basically, [we] did not anticipate [them].”
BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, said 14 new systems and additional human resources have been deployed at the airport to enhance capacity.
“We had to make sure that we respond with speed, and we have been able to deploy all our key top ICT [information and communication technology] officials on the ground to make sure that the issue is effectively addressed, and we are then able to get back to normal as fast as possible,” he said.
Earlier this month, ACSA apologised to its stakeholders and the public for the flight disruptions that occurred at OR Tambo due to refuelling challenges. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 12/19/2024 - 12:08
201 views
Kaspersky Predicts AI and Privacy to Shape Consumer Cybersecurity Landscape in 2025
According to Kaspersky's (www.Kaspersky.co.za) latest report, artificial intelligence (AI) will become an integral part of daily life, while privacy concerns around biometric data and advanced technologies will take center stage in 2025. These forecasts are part of the annual Kaspersky Security Bulletin series, which provides an outlook on the cybersecurity trends and threats expected to impact consumers in the coming year.
AI becomes an everyday reality
AI is predicted to fully integrate into daily life in 2025, becoming a standard tool rather than a novel technology. With prominent operating systems like iOS and Android rolling out AI-enhanced features, people will increasingly rely on AI for communication, workflows, and creative tasks. However, this normalisation also brings challenges, particularly as personalised deepfakes become increasingly sophisticated in the absence of reliable detection tools.
Privacy regulations will expand user data ownership
The growing emphasis on privacy is expected to lead to new regulations that strengthen user control over personal data. By 2025, individuals may gain the right to monetise their data, transfer it easily across platforms, and benefit from simplified consent processes. Global frameworks, such as the EU's GDPR, California's CPRA and South Africa's POPIA, continue to inspire reforms worldwide, while decentralised storage technologies could further strengthen user autonomy over their information.
Fraudsters will continue to exploit premieres and releases
Cybercriminals are expected to target prominent gaming, console, and film launches in 2025. Titles like Mafia: The Old Country, Civilization VII, and Death Stranding 2, as well as the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, are likely to attract scams involving fake pre-orders, counterfeit rootkits, and malicious downloads. Similarly, blockbuster films like Superman and Jurassic World Rebirth may trigger phishing campaigns and counterfeit merchandise fraud aimed at enthusiastic fanbases.
Political polarisation will fuel cyberbullying
Increasing political polarisation is expected to exacerbate cyberbullying in 2025. Social media algorithms that amplify divisive content, combined with the widespread availability of AI tools for creating deepfakes and doctored posts, are likely to intensify online harassment. Cross-border cyberbullying could also escalate as global platforms facilitate the targeting of individuals based on their political beliefs.
Rising number of subscription services will fuel fraud risks
As the global economy shifts further towards subscription-based models, a rise in fraud related to fake subscription promotions is expected. Cybercriminals are expected to create counterfeit services that mimic legitimate platforms, aiming to deceive users into providing personal and financial information, resulting in identity theft and financial losses. Additionally, the growth of unofficial resources that provide discounted or free access to subscription services is expected to become a significant threat vector, exposing users to phishing attacks, malware, and data breaches.
Prohibition of social media for children may lead to broader user restrictions
Australia's proposed legislation to ban social media access for children under 16 could set a global precedent. If implemented successfully, the restriction could pave the way for broader limitations on access for other demographics. Platforms like Instagram have already begun adopting AI-powered age-verification systems, signaling a shift toward stricter governance of online spaces.
“As we look to 2025, the most significant impact on consumers is expected to arise from the intersection of innovation and regulation. Advances in AI, privacy protection, and data ownership frameworks will reshape the way people interact with technology and manage their digital lives. These developments hold immense potential but also demand careful oversight to ensure they serve consumer interests,” said Anna Larkina, Kaspersky privacy expert.
To learn more, visit Securelist.com.
To stay safe, Kaspersky experts also recommend:
- Enable a safe browsing feature, such as the one in Kaspersky Premium (https://apo-opa.co/3BdtgPp), to help avoid Internet tracking. This feature also protects users from dangerous sites (like phishing ones), malware, and other maliciously installed files and extensions.
- Configure your social networks for enhanced privacy to make a difference. Services such as Privacy Checker (https://Privacy.Kaspersky.com) can help users adjust privacy settings and strengthen the protection of their personal accounts. In addition, modern security solutions often include features that enhance privacy levels across various social networks.
- Opt for secure and private connections. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities. Consider using a reliable VPN (https://apo-opa.co/3Bcqz0y) to encrypt your Internet connection and protect your online activities from being monitored.
- Install apps only from official stores like the Apple App Store, Google Play or the Amazon Appstore. Although apps from these markets are not 100 percent failsafe, at least they are checked by store representatives, and a filtration system is in place - not every app is authorised for listing on these platforms.
- Download a reliable security solution (https://apo-opa.co/3BdtgPp) to help you detect malicious apps and adware before they can harm your device.
- Don't share serial numbers, IP addresses and other sensitive information regarding your smart devices on social networks.
- Avoid using unreliable passwords. Weak combinations, such as those consisting of letters only, do not offer sufficient protection. For added convenience and security, consider using a special app, such as the Kaspersky Password Manager (https://apo-opa.co/3OGpYHu).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
INK&Co. (https://INKandCo.co.za)
nicole@inkandco.co.za
Social Media:
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Blog: https://apo-opa.co/4fWEWW0
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
Committee Welcomes Preliminary Investigation Report on SRD Grant System Weaknesses
The Portfolio Committee on Social Development welcomes the preliminary investigation report confirming the validity of the findings about the vulnerability assessment and penetration testing challenges on the South African Social Security Agency's (SASSA) Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant application and payment system.
The system assessment revealed several vulnerabilities, including potential issues with authentication mechanisms, server configurations, data encryption, and missing security headers. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to exploit weak points in the system.
These vulnerabilities could compromise the system's security and functionality. The impact of the issues identified poses significant risks, including unauthorised access to sensitive information, system disruption, and potential non-compliance with data protection laws. These vulnerabilities also expose SASSA to reputational damage and loss of public trust.
The preliminary investigation report recommended that SASSA implement targeted security improvements to mitigate further risks. These include adopting multi-factor authentication, enhancing verification protocols, expanding biometric checks, and enforcing end-to-end encryption for sensitive data. These measures will reduce the likelihood of fraudulent activities and ensure the secure handling of beneficiary information, further safeguarding the integrity of the SRD system.
The committee believes that implementing the report's recommendations and deepening the investigation will determine how much money could have been lost due to fraudulent activities, identify theft in the system, identify the culprits involved, and subsequent consequence management should follow.
The committee appreciates the undertaking by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Tolashe, who committed to involve law enforcement and government agencies such as the Special Investigating Unit and the State Security Agency. Her undertaking shows that she takes this matter as seriously as the committee.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Government Must Protect Legitimate Srd Grant Applicants, Say Activists
Universal Basic Income Coalition say fraudulent applications only represent a “small proportion of applications”
People Wait Months to Be Verified for R370 Srd Grant
SASSA blames the Home Affairs online system
VFS Global appointed to roll out Australian biometric collection centres in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Services to be rolled out at 12 locations in seven countries in Sub-Saharan Africa by February 2025
- VFS Global becomes the exclusive biometric collection service provider for Australian applicants in all the nine regions globally – Americas, Europe, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, Pacific, South Asia, South East Asia, North Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa
- Core services include Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance with online visa applications submission and Online Payment Assistance.
- Additional (as required services) include remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitisation and local addressing and document delivery.
The Department of Home Affairs, Australia has appointed VFS Global to provide biometric collection services for Sub-Saharan Africa. VFS Global is the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. This is in addition to the seven regions awarded in August 2023 to provide biometric collection services –the Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia and Southeast Asia. With the recent addition of Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, VFS Global has become the exclusive biometrics collection service provider to Australian visa applicants across all nine regions globally.
The Sub-Saharan Africa region includes seven countries in total with Australian Biometric Collection Centre services to be rolled out at 12 locations in 13 countries by February 2025. This includes setting up Centres in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
According to the agreement, VFS Global's core services include Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance with online visa applications submission and Online Payment Assistance on the Department's ImmiAccount portal. The company would also provide additional (as required services) such as remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitisation and local addressing and document delivery.
“We are pleased to extend our Agreement with VFS Global to include Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. We will continue to work closely with VFS Global to ensure the delivery of high-quality biometric collection and visa support services for our visa applicants worldwide.” said Anthony Phillips, Director Offshore Service Delivery Partners Section, Department of Home Affairs.
“Securing these two regions is a testament to our dedication, expertise, commitment to excellence, and trusted partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. This decision not only reflects our ability to meet highest standards but also reinforces our resolve to deliver innovative solutions. Under the Department's guidance, we will continue to elevate the experience of Australian applicants across the world,” said Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.
Media Contact:
George Cherian
Corporate Communications
georgec@vfsglobal.com
About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 69 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 297 million applications since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.
We Discovered Massive Fraud in SASSA’s Grant System
SASSA needs to disclose how this happened and the scale of the problem
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Home Affairs tackles ID fraud
Home Affairs tackles ID fraud
The Department of Home Affairs is taking decisive action against fraud involving identity books and cards.
Through a publication in the government gazette, the department has called upon persons who are currently in possession of blocked IDs to provide written reasons and representations within 30 days for why their ID should not be cancelled.
The submissions must be sent to: Sylvia.Phasha@dha.gov.za.
The department will also undertake a sustained social media advertising campaign to provide the public with an opportunity to make representations.
Through the move, Home Affairs aims to both resolve the decades-old issue of wrongfully blocked IDs while reducing the number of fraudulent documents in circulation.
Some of the IDs were originally blocked as far back as 2005 for a range of reasons. This includes the biometric system flagging the documents as duplicates, held by illegal immigrants, or because the ID holder had passed away.
By providing the public with an opportunity to make representations, the department intends to end the inconvenience caused by the block to holders of legitimate IDs, while cancelling IDs held by unauthorised persons.
The gazetting of this measure is also in furtherance of compliance with a court order handed down earlier this year, which required the department to undertake a fair administrative process to differentiate between IDs that have been wrongfully blocked and IDs that represent genuine security threats.
“I encourage members of the public to make use of this opportunity to ensure that we conduct a just and equitable process to unblock IDs that have been wrongfully blocked,” Minister Leon Schreiber said.
“At the same time, the gazetting of these decisive measures underscores our commitment to clamp down on fraud, and to move with urgency to resolve longstanding challenges while upholding the rule of law,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/16/2024 - 14:28
192 views
SASSA’s fraud management system is fraught with danger
It is irrational to expect people who can’t afford food to have a smartphone and internet access
Beneficiaries are still battling with SASSA’s new biometric system
Pilot programme rolled out to help recipients of the Social Relief of Distress grant to verify their identity
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Ground-breaking Technology Uses Small Mammal Footprints to Monitor Climate Change
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Here’s why people with green ID books are struggling with SASSA’s new verification process
Many beneficiaries of the monthly R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant might not be paid
SASSA’s new ID verification process sparks alarm
Biometric identification has been introduced to fight fraud, says agency
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Top 5 fraud prevention challenges and how to overcome them
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The future of digital identity in South Africa (By Gur Geva)
By iiDENTIFii (https://iiDENTIFii.com/) CEO and co-founder Gur Geva.
When it comes to accessing essential services, such as national medical care, grants and the ability to vote in elections to shape national policy, a valid identity document is critical.
In South Africa, undocumented citizens are restricted in their ability to collect social grants or go to a hospital. Even those with valid IDs spend hours in queues owing to inefficient and protracted identification processes.
Faster, digitised services would have a transformative impact on the level of financial inclusion of the country's citizens. iProov's report (https://apo-opa.co/3VfYD37), "Unlocking financial inclusion with digital identity and biometric verification," emphasises that digital identity programmes open essential pathways for the unbanked and disenfranchised to access financial and welfare services and, in the case of governments, offer a reduced administrative burden and increased economic growth.
In theory, the positive impact is evident, but how can South Africa with its infrastructural challenges and high levels of inequality put this verification system into practice?
The challenge
An estimated 500 million (https://apo-opa.co/4aFwdEf) people in Africa are living without any form of valid legal identification. In response to this crisis, the African Union Commission is working on an initiative (https://apo-opa.co/3KmsnVP) to develop an interoperability framework for digital identity. The need for this is clear.
In South Africa, for example, lengthy identification processes see citizens queueing for up to three hours to renew a driver's license. Many people (https://apo-opa.co/452hke4) leave their homes in the dark and queue from dawn for their social security grants only to be turned away when the queue is cut because of system failures.
In an address to Parliament (https://apo-opa.co/3wU9pCU), Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs of South Africa, states that the main reason for the long queues lies in the State Information Technology (SITA) system often being down. The DHA relies on SITA for connectivity, especially in rural villages. Branch Appointment System (BAPS) kiosks that facilitate the live capture of IDs and passports have been set up to bridge this gap. While these efforts are useful, digital identity could transform these processes, whittling down lengthy queues by authenticating identity in a matter of seconds.
In fact, South Africa is pursuing digital identity in some form, through the form of a Smart ID card that stores face and fingerprint biometrics. However, this pioneering initiative is being held back by a restrictive, lengthy onboarding process. Smart ID cards can only be issued from a selection of offices with a ‘live capture system' as well as through certain banks that use the system in-house. This is not enough to implement secure digital identity at scale.
Reframing the identity conversation
Many of South Africa's challenges stem from systemic inequality. This inequality in access across gender, location and education lines has real implications for identity management (https://apo-opa.co/3KmsnVP). For this reason, the conversation needs to shift from identity being an administrative tool to identity being an essential human right (https://apo-opa.co/3KmsnVP).
Whether a person is applying for legal employment, registering at an address, setting up a phone contract, or opening a bank account, a proven identity that can be authenticated is an essential part of the process. Widespread, effective digital identification benefits citizens and generates significant economic value for governments and financial institutions as well.
As a result, a growing number of governments are teaming up with organizations worldwide to develop digital identity programmes that are not only convenient, but open up essential pathways for previously disadvantaged or marginalized individuals to help them access financial and welfare services.
Ground-breaking identity verification in practice
iProov and iDENTIFii have seen the positive impact of Dynamic Liveness Technology in delivering fast, secure and effortless passive face biometric authentication. In addition to being a strong digital alternative to historic forms of identity verification, its anti-spoofing technology is also effective in detecting and protecting against future cyber threats. The U.S. Federal Government lists iProov as a Synthetic Identity Fraud Mitigation Provider and government clients include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the UK Home Office, the Australian Tax Office, and GovTech Singapore.
The UK Home Office EU Settlement Scheme, a digital application process for EEA nationals living in the UK post-Brexit, is a powerful example of the impact of digital identity on public services. The scheme was developed by iProov, WorldReach Software, and InnoValor, and provides a simple, secure, and usable solution for applicants to apply for settlement status online. The app includes key features such as remote identity documentation checking using NFC or OCR, and biometric identity authentication via iProov's Dynamic Liveness technology. The app has been extremely successful, with over 4.2 million applications completed, high levels of identity assurance, and an average satisfaction rating of 4.1 stars.
How open are citizens to digital identity?
The Digital Transformation Strategy (https://apo-opa.co/3KmsnVP) for Africa (2020-2030) highlights both the potential social and economic implications of digital IDs for Africans, noting that digital IDs not only support social development, but also enable meaningful participation in productive processes to generate economic growth, spur innovation, and support entrepreneurship. Besides being viewed as an enabler for realising all these policy objectives, digital IDs are seen as critical for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Digital identity programmes can bridge the identity gap by being accessible through even basic smartphones, thus eliminating barriers such as cost and complex application processes that often require travel. A case in point is the European Union Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW) a decentralised, interoperable digital tool that aims to provide all 447 million EU citizens with the ability to easily store and exchange identity documents and credentials securely, while having full control over their data. Using identity verification will see important public and private services, such as online government services, online banking, remote prescriptions, and SIM registration become significantly more accessible.
The importance of inclusive and safe digital identity
For South Africans to truly embrace and reap the rewards of digital identity, accessibility and security are two critical factors government and other essential service providers must consider.
Adopting accessible verification models maximises inclusivity of digital identity programmes. Traditional remote verification methods, such as video calls or passwords, lack user convenience and may exclude individuals with language barriers or disabilities. By contrast, biometric face verification uses a front-facing camera and does not rely on the end user's technical abilities.
Security is also key as these initiatives must provide the maximum number of people with digital identities and financial access, while consistently mitigating the risks of cybersecurity threats. As with any technology that enables access to a broad range of secured data and financial services, there is a risk of digital identities being compromised for fraud, money laundering, or other illicit activities.
With generative AI contributing towards the sophistication of tools such as deepfakes, this risk is higher and the crime is easier to perpetrate than ever before. Liveness confirms that the person verifying their identity exists and is a live human being with the right to access the online account or service. It also assures that it is a real person and not a photo or mask or other presentation attack. It does not protect against scalable digital attacks like deepfake where synthetic images can be injected into device sensors.
Successful digital identity schemes, such as Estonia's, yield economic benefits for the government and businesses, and demonstrate the positive impact of such initiatives. Similarly, as the European Union's (EU) initiative progresses, other nations can learn valuable lessons from them and adopt strategies that foster a society characterised by enhanced inclusivity and economic prosperity.
Looking forward
While the local government is still rolling out digital identity, the financial services industry in South Africa has been an early adopter. Not only has it proven the ability of digital identity to be more efficient and safer, but it has also shown that it is possible to use biometrics at scale.
Several of iiDENTIFii's South African banking clients have been able to address downtime issues by using subsequent authentication. iiDENTIFii has prioritised this based on the understanding that an authentication process that keeps customers secure and engaged, is a successful one. For this reason, its platform is able to process individuals by storing their reference templates and enabling subsequent authentication. If financial institutions and the government collaborate in digitising government systems, it could make true financial inclusion and accessible digital identity at scale a reality, in a way that reaches all South Africans.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iiDENTIFii.
About iiDENTIFii:
iiDENTIFii (https://iiDENTIFii.com/) is an award-winning face authentication and identity verification platform that distinguishes itself through its use of 3D and 4D Liveness® detection. Purpose-built for enterprises across Africa and the Middle East, iiDENTIFii enables frictionless, scalable customer onboarding in seconds from anywhere and on any device. Founded in 2018, iiDENTIFii has become a proven key partner in multiple tier 1 African banks. The technology plugs seamlessly into existing infrastructures, including mobile and web-based platforms.
Universal Basic Income Grant: who will profit?
There are risks in using a private company to pay the grants