GlobalPlatform is seeking to simplify and increase trust in the authentication of digital services on smartphones and biometric-enabled cards with a new specification.
Originally developed within EMVCo, the global technical body that facilitates the worldwide interoperability and acceptance of secure payment transactions, the Secure Element Broker Interface underlines a standard to make end-user authentication simpler for all applications running in a GlobalPlatform-certified Secure Element (SE).
Gil Bernabeu, Technical Director of GlobalPlatform commented: “The Broker Interface supports two of today’s big trends: unified user authentication and strong customer authentication for smartphones, smart wearables and contactless cards. And this is about simplifying everyone’s lives. Developers no longer have to adapt their solutions for different devices and wallets, and end-users get a more consistent experience across their services.”
The new offering enables service providers to easily develop secure apps that utilise the authentication mechanisms available in the device, which are now known as Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Methods (CDCVM).
The specification means developers no longer need multiple app versions for different device operating systems or models. It also accelerates the roll out of contactless biometric payment cards. Regardless of whether a consumer is using a biometric card or a smartphone, they can rely on a single secure authentication method for all apps stored in the device, rather than remembering multiple PINs and passcodes.
Junya Tanaka, Chair of the EMVCo Executive Committee added: “EMVCo welcomes this initiative to support the use of external mobile services within the device, including Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Method (CDCVM) use-cases.
“EMVCo’s initial work in this area demonstrated clear utility beyond payments, and collaboration with GlobalPlatform will promote security and interoperability for mobile service providers and original equipment manufacturers across multiple sectors, delivering convenience, simplicity and familiarity to consumers.”
