Singapore is moving away from using NRIC numbers for user authentication, citing security risks. While the transition to stronger authentication methods like passwords, security tokens, or biometrics may take time, experts advise Singaporeans to remain vigilant against scams and identity theft. The transition follows a data breach involving Acra, which inadvertently exposed NRIC numbers on a search portal, prompting the government to acknowledge the vulnerability and announce the policy shift.
Organisations should instead authenticate users through passwords, security tokens or biometric data.SINGAPORE — Singapore 's digital ecosystem will become more secure when NRIC numbers are no longer used to authenticate users, but to put in the infrastructure for stronger authentication tools could take several months to a year or more, said cyber-security experts.
Organisations should instead authenticate users through passwords, security tokens or biometric data.Experts point out that NRIC numbers are widely used in Singapore across industries such as banking, telecommunications, insurance and healthcare for both identification and verification purposes.
He added: "Insurance companies might require digital signatures through secure apps, combined with video verification for high-value transactions." "Modern authentication tools offer several advantages: They are typically harder to compromise, can be changed if breached and provide clearer audit trails. They also enable more sophisticated security measures," said Cheong.
"While the move away from using NRIC numbers as a method of authentication will boost security of the digital economy in the long run… the issue lies in that alternative systems for authentication had not been fully set up before Acra unmasked IC numbers," said Anthony Lim, director of the Centre for Strategic Cyberspace and International Studies, a think-tank.
Cyber criminals could have harvested large amounts of NRIC information then, said Aaron Ang, chief information security officer at Singapore-based IT services company Wissen International.
NRIC Authentication Singapore Cybersecurity Data Breach
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
CNA Explains: What are the implications of Singapore unmasking NRIC numbers?CNA’s Fabian Koh looks at whether the NRIC still has any security significance in a digitised world, as well as some of the challenges that could come with unmasking them.
Read more »
Singapore is set to thrive as inflation drops and consumer spending soars Singapore News%
Read more »
OCBC launches initiative to empower SMEs in Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Singapore News%
Read more »
Singapore's Changi Airport named world’s best airport again in 2024 Singapore News%
Read more »
Singapore tops global rent prices; renters in major cities struggling amid rising demand Singapore News -%
Read more »
Delay in Johor-Singapore SEZ deal sparks uncertainty for SMEs' growth and investment plans Singapore%
Read more »