Federal administration tests video identification system
The requirements for access to federal systems remain high. In order to increasingly explore the opportunities and risks, the federal administration is currently testing a new Identity Access Management (IAM). It is operated by the Federal Office of Information Technology.
Until now, employees of the federal administration have been equipped with a smart card for secure access to internal applications. However, this always requires the person to be present on site in person. The federal administration is therefore testing a new procedure with a video ID check.
An electronic means of access must always be cryptographically secured. In addition, a user is usually only activated after he or she has presented a photo ID that can be checked by the federal administration. With an alternative access option via video, this procedure is now to be simplified at the federal level so that people no longer have to travel to be checked. In the future, a smart card will no longer be provided for access. In the future, users will be able to use their own smartphone as an additional security layer to ensure identification via video. The cryptographic security of the login will be carried out in the same way as the smartphone with the certificate preinstalled on Swiss SIMs and eSIMs (Mobile ID). The next step planned is a user-neutral security check according to FIDO standardThis can be used, for example, to replace a smartphone with a certified security key in the form of a USB stick.
The new procedure is primarily used for external employees and service providers. Citizens are not affected by the innovation. The Federal Office of Information Technology, Systems and Telecommunication of the Federal Department of Finance is responsible for implementing the system.
Source: Federal Chancellery, Editorial Office
