PAS 499:2019 - Code of Practice for Digital Identification and Strong Customer Authentication

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring secure and reliable identification and authentication processes is paramount. The PAS 499:2019 standard provides a comprehensive framework for digital identification and strong customer authentication, setting the benchmark for security and trust in digital transactions.

Overview

Released on July 31, 2019, this standard is a crucial resource for organizations aiming to enhance their digital security protocols. With 36 pages of detailed guidelines, PAS 499:2019 offers a robust code of practice that addresses the complexities of digital identification and authentication in today's interconnected world.

Key Features

• Standard Number: PAS 499:2019
• ISBN: 978 0 580 94481 9
• Status: Standard

Why Choose PAS 499:2019?

As digital transactions become increasingly prevalent, the need for secure and reliable authentication methods has never been more critical. PAS 499:2019 addresses this need by providing a structured approach to digital identification and authentication, ensuring that organizations can protect their customers' data and maintain trust.

Benefits of Implementing PAS 499:2019

Implementing the guidelines set forth in PAS 499:2019 can offer numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Security: By following the standard's practices, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Increased Trust: Customers are more likely to engage with businesses that prioritize their security and privacy, leading to stronger customer relationships.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to PAS 499:2019 can help organizations meet various regulatory requirements related to digital security and data protection.
• Competitive Advantage: Companies that implement strong authentication practices can differentiate themselves in the market, attracting security-conscious customers.

Who Should Use PAS 499:2019?

PAS 499:2019 is designed for a wide range of organizations, including:

• Financial Institutions: Banks and other financial entities can use this standard to secure online banking and payment systems.
• E-commerce Platforms: Online retailers can enhance their security measures to protect customer data and transactions.
• Healthcare Providers: Medical institutions can safeguard sensitive patient information through strong authentication practices.
• Government Agencies: Public sector organizations can ensure the integrity of digital services and citizen data.

Content and Structure

The PAS 499:2019 standard is meticulously structured to provide clear and actionable guidance. It covers various aspects of digital identification and authentication, including:

• Authentication Methods: Detailed descriptions of different authentication techniques and their applications.
• Risk Assessment: Guidelines for assessing and mitigating risks associated with digital identification.
• Implementation Strategies: Practical advice on how to implement strong authentication measures effectively.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples illustrating the successful application of the standard's practices.

Conclusion

In an era where digital security is paramount, PAS 499:2019 stands as a vital resource for organizations seeking to fortify their digital identification and authentication processes. By adopting this standard, businesses can not only protect their customers but also enhance their reputation and competitiveness in the digital marketplace.

Invest in the security and trust of your digital transactions with PAS 499:2019, and ensure your organization is at the forefront of digital security practices.

PAS 499:2019

This standard PAS 499:2019 Code of practice for digital identification and strong customer authentication is classified in these ICS categories:

• 03.060 Finances. Banking. Monetary systems. Insurance
• 35.240.15 Identification cards. Chip cards. Biometrics
• 35.240.40 IT applications in banking

This PAS gives recommendations for, and is for use by, all organizations requiring identification and authentication for digital activities in the context of regulatory requirements for defined levels of identification assurance and strong customer authentication, as required in the Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) and related regulations.

NOTE 1 The term customer is a specific instance of user.

This PAS covers the management operations relating to systems for identification and strong customer authentication for regulated industries, including:

• identity validation;

• identity verification;

• enrolment;

• authentication;

• delegated authority and authorization;

• security and usability; and

• risk models for authentication.

This PAS also applies to management processes for creating, accessing or managing accounts digitally; users making a payment via a mobile device or other computer; users making a contactless payment using an electronic device; a retailer receiving such payments; third-party roles; delegated authority; and a bank or payment service provider administering such transactions.

It includes supporting guidance as informative annexes to the PAS including: use cases to address common scenarios and strong customer authentication (see Annex A); and a summary description of additional good practice that can be used in developing a compliant secure system (see Annex B).

The PAS does not cover: contactless payments made using plastic cards; transactions in the context of the internet of things; digital currencies; specifics of payment devices or payment terminals.

NOTE 2 There is a difference in the way that the term “identification” is used in this PAS (establishing an association between a known identity and a person) and that employed in biometric standards (process of searching a biometric enrolment database to find and return the biometric reference identifier(s) attributable to a single person). When used in PAS 499, the latter meaning is referred to as “biometric identification”.