A Gjøvik-based company has proposed using a new identity verification service to address security concerns around BankID, the widely used Norwegian digital ID system. The solution involves Mobai, a firm that developed an ID control service for Posten, Norway’s postal service. The proposal comes as Norwegian authorities and banks seek ways to improve the security of BankID, which has faced criticism for vulnerabilities in recent years.
Mobai’s service was originally designed to verify identities for Posten’s operations. The company now suggests adapting this system for BankID users to enhance security. The move follows a series of incidents where fraudsters exploited weaknesses in BankID to gain unauthorized access to bank accounts and government services. Earlier this year, a report from the Norwegian Consumer Council highlighted these risks, prompting calls for stronger protections.
Officials from banks and government agencies have not yet confirmed whether they will adopt Mobai’s proposal. However, the idea has gained attention among cybersecurity experts who see potential in leveraging existing infrastructure. Mobai’s system uses biometric verification and real-time checks to confirm identities, which could reduce the risk of fraud. The company has already tested the technology in smaller-scale projects with Posten.
The Norwegian Difi (Agency for Public Management and eGovernment) is reviewing the proposal. A spokesperson said the agency is open to solutions that improve security without disrupting BankID’s usability. BankID remains the dominant digital ID system in Norway, used by over 4 million people for everything from banking to tax filings. Any changes would require coordination with multiple stakeholders, including banks and telecom providers.
Mobai’s CEO confirmed the company is in talks with relevant authorities. The firm aims to demonstrate how its service can integrate with BankID’s existing framework. If successful, the solution could set a new standard for digital identity verification in Norway.
Source: digi.no