S. Korea opens public online verification system, allowing private firms to issue ID certificates
Arirang News
2020-12-11
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South Korea is opening up its public online verification system.
Instead of the country's public key certificate, you can now use digital certificates of your choice issued by private firms to access government websites, online banking and tax returns.
Eum Ji-young reports.
Complicated passwords, installing extra software, annual renewals and storage difficulties were among the complaints users had with South Korea's public key certificate.
For the last 21 years, it has been used as an ID authentication tool for online transactions including government websites, online banking services and tax returns.
One of the many users Lee Ga-eun has found it frustrating to use.
"I've been using the public key certificate a lot to apply for scholarships. But it was inconvenient because I could not download it on my cell phone so I had difficulties getting my work done outside."
That all changed on Thursday when the monopoly status of the public organizations that had been issuing key certificates was removed.
Now, people can also use verification certificates issued by private companies for transactions that once required public certificates.
"With the key certificate system provided by private firms, the process is much simpler. In most cases, unlike the old public key certificate, there's no need to visit the bank for face-to-face authentication."
There isn't as much security software to install and people can identify themselves through simple passwords or by scanning their face, iris or fingerprints. And the certificates don't have to be renewed each year.
Private providers are racing to dominate the ID authentication market. One of the largest alternatives is the Pass app launched last year by South Korea's three major mobile carriers.
"Currently 20 million users have made digital key certificates through our system and they find it very convenient compared to the public certificate."
An expert says, the digital key certificates issued by major private companies are relatively safe to use.
"The key certificates issued by major private firms are already widely used in financial services and they have adequate measures against security threats."
He said the firms with the best range of services and level of security will be the ones that survive in the competitive market.
Eum Ji-young, Arirang News.
South Korea is opening up its public online verification system.
Instead of the country's public key certificate, you can now use digital certificates of your choice issued by private firms to access government websites, online banking and tax returns.
Eum Ji-young reports.
Complicated passwords, installing extra software, annual renewals and storage difficulties were among the complaints users had with South Korea's public key certificate.
For the last 21 years, it has been used as an ID authentication tool for online transactions including government websites, online banking services and tax returns.
One of the many users Lee Ga-eun has found it frustrating to use.
"I've been using the public key certificate a lot to apply for scholarships. But it was inconvenient because I could not download it on my cell phone so I had difficulties getting my work done outside."
That all changed on Thursday when the monopoly status of the public organizations that had been issuing key certificates was removed.
Now, people can also use verification certificates issued by private companies for transactions that once required public certificates.
"With the key certificate system provided by private firms, the process is much simpler. In most cases, unlike the old public key certificate, there's no need to visit the bank for face-to-face authentication."
There isn't as much security software to install and people can identify themselves through simple passwords or by scanning their face, iris or fingerprints. And the certificates don't have to be renewed each year.
Private providers are racing to dominate the ID authentication market. One of the largest alternatives is the Pass app launched last year by South Korea's three major mobile carriers.
"Currently 20 million users have made digital key certificates through our system and they find it very convenient compared to the public certificate."
An expert says, the digital key certificates issued by major private companies are relatively safe to use.
"The key certificates issued by major private firms are already widely used in financial services and they have adequate measures against security threats."
He said the firms with the best range of services and level of security will be the ones that survive in the competitive market.
Eum Ji-young, Arirang News.
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