Singapore is moving to stronger authentication methods after a policy shift regarding NRIC numbers. While the transition will take time, experts warn of potential risks during the interim period.
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.
In the interim, Singaporeans could face an incremental risk of scams and identity theft while organisations overhaul their systems, and would be well advised to stay vigilant and adopt additional security measures, they added.Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Acra) unmasked NRIC numbers on a new search portal last week , the Government apologised for the unease caused and announced a policy shift whereby NRIC numbers should not be treated as sensitive information. Furthermore, NRIC numbers are intended to identify individuals, and not to be misused as a form of authentication to access privileged information or perform privileged transactions, said the Government. 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.Singapore University of Social Sciences law lecturer Ben Chester Cheong said: 'For example, using your NRIC (number) to register at a clinic's front desk or to look up your insurance policy is identification — (you are) simply declaring who you are. 'However, making changes to your insurance policy, accessing medical records, or conducting financial transactions requires proper authentication — proving you are who you claim to be.'Authentication methods will vary by sector and what they are used for. 'Some banks might add voice biometrics for additional securit
SINGAPORE NRIC AUTHENTICATION CYBERSECURITY IDENTITY THEFT
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.
Singapore Shifts Away From NRIC for AuthenticationSingapore is moving away from using NRIC numbers for user authentication, citing concerns about security and potential misuse. The shift will require organisations to implement stronger authentication methods, such as passwords, security tokens, or biometric data.
Read more »
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's NRIC: Identification vs Authentication - A Stirring AnnouncementThe Singapore government's recent statement that NRIC numbers shouldn't be considered sensitive information has sparked controversy. Professor Hannah Yee-Fen Lim explains the difference between identification and authentication, highlighting that while NRICs are crucial for identifying individuals, they shouldn't be treated as highly sensitive data. The article explores the public's anxiety surrounding this announcement, the lack of policy changes regarding the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), and the need for stricter NRIC protection.
Read more »
Singapore Ditches NRIC for Authentication, Encourages Stronger Security MeasuresSingapore 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.
Read more »
Singapore's Third Archbishop Nicholas Chia Passes Away at 86Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, Singapore's third archbishop, passed away peacefully at St Theresa's Home on December 17th, 2023, at the age of 86.
Read more »
Singapore's First Olympic Medallist Tan Howe Liang Passes Away at 91Tan Howe Liang, Singapore's first Olympic medallist and a weightlifting legend, has died at the age of 91. His historic silver medal in 1960 Rome Olympics remains a source of inspiration and pride for Singapore.
Read more »