Mobile Apps Security
What is Mobile application security? Mobile app security is the defensive mechanism used to safeguard mobile applications with its users’ info and defending mobile applications against Cyber-attacks and digital fraud as; malware, man in the middle attacks, app tampering, financial fraud, and other hacking techniques. Why Does This Matter to individuals and companies? The digital transformation of services, led people and businesses to use a dozen different mobile apps on a daily basis, As; apps for financial management, banks that require customers’ credentials, online shopping, etc.. The use of unprotected mobile applications have severe consequences on businesses and individuals. The threats of Mobile Apps hacking When a mobile application is compromised by malware or other hacking activity that exposes both the individuals and the companies to a high risk of being a victim of digital fraud. This includes… Possibility of stealing financial login credentials Credit card information stealing Hackers access to business networks Wholesale identity theft The usage of the hacked device as a mean of spreading malware to uninfected devices etc . . Such violations have many consequences that can be severe, including: Negative end-user experiences Negative, potentially permanent impact on the brand’s reputation Ongoing financial losses Unfortunately, 40% of organizations, including some Fortune 500, didn’t take active steps to protect their customers they’re developing the apps for. Only 50% of these same organizations dedicate any resources toward mobile app security. And the most recent reports indicate that up to 95% of mobile applications are vulnerable to attacks. Mobile Apps Security tips Testing As online fraud is constantly evolving, we recommend that companies should regularly test their apps for vulnerabilities, never rush development or patches, and monitor malware attacks. Mobile Application Security Practices Practices that expose individuals and companies to less mobile fraud threats. Only Download from Trusted Sources –We suggest downloading apps from the trusted app stores with high caution whenever downloading a new app, and the reporting of any suspicious activity. Avoid Saving Passwords – Discourage untrusted apps to save passwords on their system or in the cloud, as these can allow the private credentials to be harvested and used to hack other devices or networks. Invest in Mobile App Security –We recommend companies go further than the usual defensive mobile app security tactics and seek in-app protection suite that puts a protected layer between apps and the hacking practices. The Guardian Trustsec mobile application protection solution “The Guardian” provides a high level of security, allows you to focus on your business knowing we maintain a user-friendly protected app with no effect on the end-user experience! The Guardian is your best choice for Mobile Application Protection as its automatic integration tool allows the developers to easily integrate and configure it to the app without slowing down the development process. It detects and prevents any threats in real-time and responds by taking the necessary measures to protect the mobile application. The Guardian protects the mobile application even on highly infected devices, it protects the app against attacks that are coming from other applications as it shields the app and protects the user data and the app from reverse engineering, malware and various types of attacks. Ready to invest in your brand’s app security? Read more about Trustsec mobile application protection solution “The Guradian”
COVID-19 and Secure online exams revolution!
The COVID-19 outbreak forced many countries to extend schools’ and universities’ closure to protect the safety and wellbeing of its employees, teachers, and students. The pandemic had a direct impact on the educational system overall, It is almost impossible for schools and universities to hold examinations. Many universities worldwide have suspended their exams and requested research papers instead. Considering these unprecedented circumstances, many educational entities have adopted online exams to support the students, so they can continue with their education journeys as soon as possible. To ensure fairness for all the students who have worked hard, and to continue the educational cycle, it was essential to use more layers of authentication to assure Identities in online exams & E-learning. It is essential to verify who is really taking the test. That’s why adding a security layer of authentication is essential to avoid cheating and confirm identities. The simple username and password authentication used in verifying the user identity used wasn’t secure enough as passwords can be easily shared or cracked. One-time password (OTP) and FIDO2 are more secure solutions and with the advancement in biometrics, it is more reliable to verify the physical presence of the enrolled learner at login and throughout the test session. About OTP (OTP) is a type of password that is valid for only one use. It is a secure way to provide access to an application or perform actions for only one time. The password becomes invalid either after a small time frame as it changes every certain time or no of clicks on used devices, devices could be software like Mobile application or hardware There are multiple ways to spread OTP with desired students, like Hardware devices, Mobile applications (Android – IOS), SMS, or Email. The most popular is the Mobile application and the most secure is the hardware device. Read more about Trustsec solutions OTP (one-time-password) Fido2 Security Keys Biometric PKI Token Secure Network Access Secure Data Exchange
Forget your password – use your FINGERPRINT! match on card
Forget your password – use your FINGERPRINT! match on card match on card “Mr. Francis Galton affirms that ‘the patterns of the papillary ridges upon the bulbous palmar surfaces of the terminal phalanges of the fingers and thumbs are absolutely unchangeable throughout life, and show in different individuals an infinite variety of forms and peculiarities. The chance of two finger-prints being identical is less than one in sixty-four thousand million. If, therefore, two finger-prints are compared and found to coincide exactly, it is practically certain that they are prints of the same finger of the same person; if they differ, they are made by different fingers. – Lance”[1] The evolution of the smartcard – biometrics vs. two-factor authentication ( match on card ) Biometric smartcards are multi-factor authenticators (MFA). This is achieved through the addition of an extra layer of security; a fingerprint feature to authenticate the user in addition to the common two factors of authentication used – pin and hardware. The two-factor authentication solutions might expose users to fraud in the event that cards are stolen or pins are cracked. However, unlike standard smartcards, biometric smartcards enhance security on the card due to the probability of a biological feature of a person being identical with another person is less than one in sixty-four thousand million. Biometric smartcards can be thought of as turnkey solution that combines security, flexibility, durability and easy user experience. These cards achieve such security levels thanks to their onboard microprocessors processing the data directly, without remote connections. The biometric technology used depends on the Match-on-Card (MoC) that will store the holder’s biometric data and protect such communications with encryption. Biometric smartcards demonstrate a high level of flexibility as the technology used within the card is adaptable enough to integrate with any applet, is durable enough to last for many years, and provides user-friendliness; the card’s portability makes it easy for users to carry in their wallet. Biometric smartcards are the best solution in providing ultimate security to end-users. Especially in sensitive environments that require a high level of security in logical and system access. Such examples are governmental sectors, where biometric smartcards are used as accurate digital identification solution to access security-restricted buildings or access various government applications (border control, national identification cards, voter registration, and passports). Biometric smartcards also bring a security benefit to the healthcare sector where biometrics could be used by government-affiliated healthcare entities to access a patient’s medical records and ensure fraud prevention. The biometric data never leaves the card. match on card The technology used in TrustSec biometric smartcards eliminates cyberattacks by avoiding the vulnerability of storing the biometrics data on database servers. These servers may be based on insecure networks that are vulnerable to cyberattacks that might lead to abuse of the biometric data of a person. TrustSec biometric smartcards adopt Match-on-Card technology that eliminates the need for the database by both storing and processing biometric data directly on the secure microcontroller of the smartcard. Match-on-Card technology works by comparing the fingerprint presented by the user with the stored fingerprint in the secure environment, without having to send fingerprint data to a terminal or a remote server. Match-on-Card technology is typically performed in three steps, Fingerprint capturing (Acquisition), Features Extraction (Minutiae extraction) into a template Templates Matching. The Match-on-Card feature eliminates the risk of loss or theft of the cards entirely, as there would be no risk of the biometric smartcard being used without the unique fingerprint of its holder. Privacy comes first match-on-card Biometrics are biologically unique to the individual; therefore, once compromised, the individual has no recourse and is at a heightened risk for identity theft and therefore likely to withdraw from biometric enrolment. The majority of the population fear the loss of their identity through identity theft. This, in turn, has raised regulations governing secure biometric data collection, the use of such data and the processing of said data more complex. The gap between enterprises who wish to apply biometric technology and the unease of the users concerning such technology, is solved by the use of Match-on-Card technology to save the users’ identity while applying high-security measures in the enterprise at the same time. About TrustSec smartcard OS “SLCOS” match on card TrustSec smartcard OS is developing an open Java Card operating system that manages the smartcard resources as a principal component in the security chain; it protects the personal identity of the user and provides the required security services to the end-users. The OS works in conjunction with secure controllers from Infineon Technologies. It also allows third-party vendors to build embedded applications and applets without affecting security. The beta version was released in 2016 and TrustSec smart card OS has been in continuous development throughout the last five years over multiple Infineon controllers (SLE78 and SLC52) and is now planning to port its SLCOS to Infineon’s SLC38/B. SLCOS is now compatible with Java Card™ 3.0.4 and Biometry1toN Package from Java Card™ 3.0.5 is also implemented, as well as Global Platform 2.2.1 with MoC schemes (templates stored on the card, matching is done on card). TrustSec has entered into joint agreement with the leading biometric sensors providers in the market to supply biometrically enabled security solutions for identity management, access control, and payment authentication applications. In 2019, TrustSec collaborated with NEXT Biometrics to integrate their fingerprint sensor with TrustSec’s SLCOS operating system with a certified Common Criteria PKI applet providing the first version of its contact biometric smart card. The following year TrustSec made progress in integrating both Fingerprints and IDEX biometrics fingerprint sensors with SLCOS in order to provide both biometric contact and contactless smartcards. Worry-free payments with biometric smartcards solution Biometric technology brings a whole new level of security to contactless payments. No more skimming, no more forgetting which PIN to use, no need to touch the terminal, and no more uncertain payments – only trusted contactless payments. Payment networks and issuers can expect an overall reduction in fraud rates for lost and stolen cards as the
TrustSEC is pleased to announce the release of its new advanced smartcard OS – “BIO-SLCOS” over Infineon secure Element SLC38 – TrustSEC
TrustSEC and IDEX Biometrics partner to meet increasing demand for digital authentication with Biometric Smart Cards Szczecin, Poland – 24 October 2022 – IDEX Biometrics ASA and TrustSEC, a leading European provider of digital authentication solutions for access control and crypto wallets are bringing biometric smart card solutions to market in response to the demand for more secure and seamless digital authentication. The partnership agreement combines the TrustSEC smart card module, including card operating system and applets, with the IDEX Biometrics TrustedBio fingerprint sensor solution. The biometric smart card solution will secure access to digital- and crypto currency hashwallets, as well as managing physical and logical access for corporations, schools and governments, and is targeted to reach the market in Q1 2023. With this collaboration, the companies will mutually benefit from IDEX Biometrics industry leading TrustedBio sensor and TrustSEC’s experience in smartcard development and their significant customer base within the cyber security market. The digital identity verification market is set to rise to $16.7 billion in 20261, providing an important opportunity for secure solutions for crypto hardware wallets, digital identification and card-based access applications. Magdy Sharawy, CEO of TrustSEC says: ‘TrustSEC’s strategy was to bring to market a complete security solution for identity management, access control, and crypto wallets, with fingerprint authentication. Our collaboration with IDEX Biometrics is bringing to market a highly secure, industry leading authentication solution integrating the new IDEX biometric sensor with TrustSEC’s Smartcard OS “SLCOS” running on Infineon’s latest generation Secure Element chip, the SLC38. We are very confident of the success ahead and excited about this partnership.’ ’Combining the high-performance biometric architecture of TrustedBio with the complete security software solution from TrustSEC will provide an agile authentication and information protection framework suitable for a variety of market needs and applications. This collaboration will allow us to meet the increasing global demand for biometric smart cards, continues Vince Graziani, CEO of IDEX Biometrics.’ 1 Juniper Research, 2022 About TrustSEC TrustSEC is a leading company in the information security field, founded by internationally recognized information security and cryptography experts. TrustSEC focuses on developing innovative highly secure software solutions that serve the digital transformation of governmental services, and fintech, applying the latest technology trends of authentication. TrustSEC offers a wide pool of secure turn-key hardware and software solutions based on its uniquely, in-house developed operating system for smart cards- SLCOS; namely Biometric smartcard with a variety of in-house developed applets running over it; Biometric FIDO2 applet, Biometric PKI applet, CPA / CPACE Common payment application Contactless Extension and other customized applets. For more information, visit www.trustsec.net About IDEX Biometrics IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX and Nasdaq: IDBA) is a leading provider of fingerprint identification technologies offering simple, secure, and personal authentication for all. We help people make payments, prove their identity, gain access to information or unlock devices with the touch of a finger. We invent, engineer, and commercialize these secure, yet incredibly user-friendly solutions. Our total addressable market represents a fast growing multi-billion-unit opportunity. For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com
Infineon’s latest SLC38 security device and TrustSEC’s operating system BIO-SLCOS provide secured
Infineon’s latest SLC38 security device and TrustSEC’s operating system BIO-SLCOS provide secured, open platform for advanced smart card applications Munich, Germany – 17 February, 2023 – In cooperation with Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY), TrustSEC, a leader in information security and smart cards, has launched its new advanced smart cards operating system (OS) BIO-SLCOS. The OS uses Infineon’s latest high-performance SLC38 Secure Element to provide a secured and open platform that combines the best in security, flexibility, and hardware independence to meet the comfort, performance and security requirements of the global smart card market. The solution is ideally suited for government identification, payment, ticketing and access applications, as well as for application providers looking to enhance their biometric solution in terms of security, performance and functionality. While demand for organic smart cards in crypto wallets is currently high, a study by ABI Research[1] expects, in an optimistic scenario, that up to 140 million biometric payment sensor cards to be issued in 2025 fulfilling consumer demand for more convenient and secured biometric authentication in personal payment transactions. In daily life, biometric card holders verify their identity simply by placing a finger on the card’s sensor and tapping the card at the terminal. TrustSEC is prepared to meet the growing demand for biometric smart cards, especially in the payments sector. “We are committed to improve our operating system continuously by porting it to the most powerful and promising chips from our partner Infineon. This allows us to offer our customers turnkey, market-leading solutions,” said Magdy Sharawy, CEO of TrustSEC. “Our broad and rapidly growing portfolio demonstrates Infineon’s leading role in shaping the market for secure elements and smart cards,” said Franck Ferrandino, Senior Marketing Director, Connected Secure Systems at Infineon “Collaborating with partners, and TrustSEC in particular, has become essential to meet the new white label requirements for operating systems driven by issuers and service providers who prefer standardized payment applications based on alternative, modern smart card operating systems. This is why Infineon has selected TrustSEC’s BIO-SLCOS for the latest chipsets.” BIO-SLCOS is a smart card operating system that represents the latest technology for smart cards. It combines security, flexibility, and hardware independence on one platform. The new BIO-SLCOS enables application providers to utilize the latest evolution of Infineon’s SLC family of secure elements by using BIO-SLCOS with the capability to add another security layer for fingerprint authentication. As a result, biometric authentication can be performed entirely within Infineon’s newly approved SLC38 Secure Element. The OS solution is based on Infineon’s SLC38 hardware and provides data integrity which is built on sophisticated security features tested by independent labs. In addition to managing file systems and I/O, the operating system also interacts with various applications. All products in the SLC family are rated with the highest security certification CC EAL 6+. In addition to supporting contact, contactless, dual and USB interfaces, BIO-SLCOS can be preloaded or programmed with fixed applications or enable application uploading after using the card manager module. Smart cards with BIO-SLCOS can also be used to run multiple applications simultaneously. Furthermore, the solution can activate the card based on the bio information provided or occasionally authenticate transactions while the card is active. About Infineon Infineon Technologies AG is a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT. Infineon drives decarbonization and digitalization with its products and solutions. The company has around 56,200 employees worldwide and generated revenue of about €14.2 billion in the 2022 fiscal year (ending 30 September). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the OTCQX International over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: IFNNY). Further information is available at http://www.infineon.com About TrustSEC TrustSEC is a leading company in the information security field, founded by internationally recognized information security and cryptography experts. Using the latest technology in cryptography and biometric technology, TrustSEC develops innovative highly secure solutions for securing identities throughout the digital transformation journey of enterprises and governments (healthcare, utilities, transportation, banking, etc.) With its uniquely developed biometric operating system for smart cards, BIO-SLCOS, TrustSEC offers a wide range of secure hardware and software solutions for authentication, identification, and payment as FIDO2 and PKI applets for authentication and CPACE / CPA common payment applications for payment, as well as other customized applications. Further information is available at www.trustsec.net. The TrustSEC team is showcasing their latest authentication, payment and crypto assets with BIO-SLCOS during Identity Week Europe, June 13-14, 2023, in Amsterdam/Netherlands. More information about the SLC38 Secure Element is available at Payments-in-Motion. More information about BIO-SLCOS is available at TrustSEC innovative Solutions. [1] Source: ABI Research – Biometric Payment Card Developments, Projects and Market Opportunities (Q2-2022)
ID4Africa 2023: Exploring Rising Technology Trends and Innovation in Authentication and Payment
In the vibrant landscape of technological innovation, Africa is emerging as a powerhouse of opportunities and growth. The ID4Africa event has been at the forefront of advancing digital identity solutions on the continent. As we delve into the exciting world of authentication and payment technologies, we explore the rising trends in technology adoption in Africa and the groundbreaking innovations showcased at ID4Africa 2023. This event, with its inspiring team collaboration between Infineon and ID4Africa, promises to set new standards in the world of smartcards. Africa’s Tech Revolution: Rising Trends in Technology Adoption Africa is undergoing a remarkable transformation in technology adoption. The continent is not just catching up but leapfrogging ahead in various tech domains. From mobile banking to e-commerce, Africans are embracing technology like never before. The rise of smartphones and increased internet connectivity have created a fertile ground for tech-driven solutions. In this context, ID4Africa stands as a crucial platform for discussing and implementing cutting-edge technologies. ID4Africa 2023: Shaping the Future of Digital Identity ID4Africa is more than just a conference; it’s a catalyst for change. It brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to explore challenges and opportunities in digital identity solutions. This year’s event, ID4Africa 2023, promises to be a game-changer. It is a convergence of minds and ideas, where innovation meets real-world applications. Authentication and Payment Technologies: A Paradigm Shift One of the most exciting aspects of ID4Africa 2023 is the focus on authentication and payment technologies. Africa is witnessing a shift towards secure, convenient, and inclusive payment systems. With the rise of mobile money and digital wallets, the need for robust authentication methods has become paramount. Biometrics, especially fingerprint authentication, is gaining traction for its accuracy and security. Attendees at ID4Africa can expect to see groundbreaking innovations in these areas. Infineon and ID4Africa: A Dynamic Collaboration Infineon, a global leader in semiconductor solutions, has been at the forefront of technology innovation. Their collaboration with ID4Africa promises to yield remarkable results. Infineon’s expertise in secure smartcards and authentication solutions aligns perfectly with the goals of ID4Africa. Together, they aim to inspire innovation and foster collaboration to elevate the digital identity landscape in Africa.