Manama: A project that gives users a single electronic identity to access an array of government services, while being assured of security against online identity theft, was launched in Bahrain.
"The National Authentication Frame Work project for Accessing Electronic Service is a new initiative in Bahrain that enables individuals to access various eservices offered by both government and non-governmental entities using a single dedicated identity profile," said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Atteyatallah Al Khalifa, minister of cabinet affairs.
"Users can now access and browse all eGovernment Authority eservices and transactions through the different electronic delivery channels such as the eGovernment Portal on the internet, the Mobile Portal, eGovernment Centers, eKiosks, and other electronic channels."
According to the minister who is also responsible for the telecommunication sector in Bahrain, the new project will provide electronic service users with all the necessary information that they will need, including details of the last transaction made, and the last browsed service."
"The system will also offer the users technical assistance via the national call centre. This new initiative will result in convenience, cost and time savings for both the users and service providers. It will thus benefit all citizens and residents who are users of eGovernment services and facilitate efforts by ministries and governmental entities to support common e-services by providing an integrated national platform. Through the development of a standardized authentication method to access services for the users, the system aims to significantly enhance government service performance," he said at a press conference.
Shaikh Ahmad said that the agreement for the implementation of this project was signed with CrimsonLogic based on "its outstanding successful experience with Singapore Government."
Mohammad Al Qaed, the CEO of Bahrain eGovernment Authority, said that the project would be "a highly secure system for the individuals and users."
"It follows an approach that involves two out of three authentication factors. The two factors are the password and the security mechanism (finger print), for identifying the user, to prevent unauthorized online access."
The first phase of the project will include government services only. Companies and privates sector, such as banks and financial institutions will be able to leverage on it at a later stage, he said.
Leong Peng Kiong, CEO of CrimsonLogic, said that the company would be creating the core functionality of the system, such as user registration, multiple authentication mechanisms and integration with service and delivery channels – while ensuring that the government has full application control.
"CrimsonLogic will also help develop content for training the end users and provide practical hands-on training for the integration of authentication functionality with various services, and provide post-implementation support," he said.
