Identity News Digest – June 7, 2024

Welcome to FindBiometrics’ digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:

Major Tech Firms Join Germany’s EUDI Wallet Project

Five nonfunded companies, including Google and Samsung, have joined Germany’s digital wallet Proof of Concept challenge, overseen by SPRIND – Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen. The initiative is part of the broader European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) project under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation, and aims to create a secure and interoperable digital identity system for EU citizens, allowing for seamless transactions across various sectors. The challenge spans 13 months and involves three stages with funding available for selected teams. Nonfunded teams, while not receiving financial support, will benefit from SPRIND’s network and still need to meet project requirements. Notable nonfunded participants include Google’s Android-based wallet team and Samsung’s counterpart.

Clever Launches Classroom MFA for K-12 Cybersecurity

Clever has introduced Classroom MFA, a multi-factor authentication solution tailored for K-12 education, aiming to protect student, teacher, and staff accounts without the need for secondary devices. The new security measure addresses the unique challenges of educational environments where personal device use is limited and traditional MFA solutions are impractical. Classroom MFA offers age-appropriate second factors such as picture-based logins for young students, physical badges for middle schoolers, and conventional second factors for high school students. The solution integrates with existing systems like Clever Portal and Google Workspace.

ECOWAS Urges Members to Embrace Biometric ID Card for Free Travel

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is calling on its member states to accelerate the implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and remove the 90-day stay requirement for community citizens traveling within member states. The call is meant to help advance the second phase of the Free Movement Protocol to promote regional unity, peace, and security. A recent technical meeting in Lagos highlighted the need for preparedness against migration challenges and endorsed a roadmap for the ENBIC’s implementation. ECOWAS has also partnered with the German cooperation (GIZ) to empower women in border communities and facilitate the issuance of the ENBIC, aiming to improve mobility and trade within the region.

Daon Brings Biometric Onboarding and Authentication to Major Nigerian Bank

Wema Bank, a well-established Nigerian bank known for its innovative digital banking platform ALAT, is integrating Daon’s biometric technology for digital identity verification and authentication into its services. Using Daon’s xProof, xAuth, and xFace solutions, Wema Bank will enhance its mobile banking app by leveraging advanced facial recognition and document verification to confirm users’ identities securely. The integration aims to provide customers with a seamless and secure banking experience, enabling safer account setups and everyday transactions through biometric authentication. The implementation was facilitated in collaboration with Ouranos Technologies, which specializes in solutions for financial institutions.

Thales Launches Comprehensive Passwordless Platform for the Enterprise

Thales has launched Passwordless 360°, a platform designed to deliver comprehensive passwordless functionality across various user types and assurance levels. The platform aims to reduce reliance on traditional passwords, addressing security risks and user frustration associated with password management. It includes tools like Passwordless Windows Logon, SafeNet FIDO Key Manager, and FIDO Authenticator Lifecycle Management, the latter developed with identity management software company Versasec. Thales’ Passwordless 360° supports the adoption of FIDO passkeys and allows enterprises to manage FIDO tokens efficiently, facilitating a transition to modern, secure authentication methods.

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June 7, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala