As from this month, the digital security system of the electronic identity (eID) will be strengthened to further secure the identities of all eID account holders. An extra layer of security, namely a two-factor authentication (2FA) shall be implemented. Two-factor authentication is used to ensure that the person attempting to access an online account is who they claim to be.
The 2FA will be phased according to age, starting with the 14 to 16-year-old age bracket. eID account holders will be notified when it is their turn to enable the 2FA and till when the 2FA must be enabled.
To register for the 2FA, eID account holders will be directed to the eid.gov.mt portal where they must first authenticate their email account by entering the one-time verification code that will be sent to their email address. This will activate the 2FA feature. Account holders will be given the option how they are to receive the one-time verification code when logging in their eID account, namely by email, SMS, or the Authenticator App. Identity Malta Agency will also inform the public through its social media channels and other means, providing a step-by-step tutorial on how one should enable the 2FA.
Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri stated that the two-factor authentication is an additional layer of security aimed at ensuring the security and protection of the identity of each individual in order to continue the fight against online identity theft and curtail even more fraudulent activities.
“National security is an absolute priority for this agency and therefore it will continue to work towards ensuring that security is further strengthened through more means,” concluded Byron Camilleri.
Identity Malta Agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Colonel Mark Mallia highlighted the benefits of the 2FA for eID account holders. He explained that this feature significantly lessens the prospect of online identity theft and other forms of online fraud.
Col. Mallia stated that identity theft protection is essential. He continued that following the introduction of the new Maltese eID card, having multiple security features and by protecting Maltese citizens’ and residents’ identities through 2FA enrolment reaffirms the agency’s commitment to shielding its clients from any potential harm.
This is another step towards strengthening services that are provided online, which will give peace of mind to eID account holders while utilising government’s digital services in a more efficient and secure manner.
Identity Malta will continue to work closely with servizz.gov to establish more cooperation and consolidate and combine the various government services offered digitally, to better facilitate accessibility to all services provided.
