Departmental Communications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017

Tuesday, 7 November 2017

Questions (1200)

Mick Wallace

Question:

1200. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the verification code sent to mobile phones as part of the MyGovID two-factor authentication scheme is SMS based; if she is satisfied that an SMS two-factor authentication scheme is the most secure two-factor authentication scheme available to her; if she has given consideration to alternative two-factor authentication schemes that do not rely on SMS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45899/17]

Written answers

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

I can confirm that the verification code sent to mobile phones as part of the MyGovID two-factor authentication scheme is SMS based.

While there are various two-factor authentication methods available, many of these require the person being authenticated to have use of a smart phone. Given that not all persons have access to such a device, the currently used method is regarded as being sufficiently secure, while still being accessible to all persons who have use of a mobile phone.

The Department, working with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and the Interdepartmental Implementation and Policy Group for Public Service Identity, continually reviews these services in order to maintain the highest level of security and accessibility while applying best practice in safeguarding data and services.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.