Based on SecureKey's briidge.net™ Connect cloud-based digital identity management platform and leveraging OT's long standing expertise in secure element-based security, these solutions allow mobile operators to provide consumers with secure smartphone-based authentication solutions across the broadest range of devices in the market, eliminating the need for usernames and passwords when accessing online services. The solution increases convenience, while reducing fraud and risk for online services for both service providers and consumers.

As online services proliferate, in industries such as financial services, government and healthcare, consumers are often forced to use multiple identities and passwords to access services. This accumulation of log-in credentials represents a burden to consumers and also opens them to critical security and privacy vulnerabilities.

"OT is a strong supporter of the GSMA Mobile Connect efforts to provide consumers with safe, secure and easy access to the online services they need. This is why we're working with identity and authentication leaders like SecureKey to develop flexible solutions that empower consumers to take advantage of Mobile Connect on any device," said Laurent Demey, Deputy Managing Director of the Solutions Business Unit at OT. "The SecureKey collaboration will enable us to take a comprehensive Mobile Connect-based solution to market for our mobile operator customers, providing a range of both hardware and software security options."

"Working jointly with our partner OT, we're moving the identity industry away from a world where everyone issues IDs to one where everyone accepts secure IDs that users have chosen from trusted third parties," said Robert Blumenthal, EVP Business Development, SecureKey. "Consumers will gain greater convenience through the elimination of passwords. Also, online service providers will have faster registrations and lower drop-outs in addition to better business confidence of user authenticity while telecom companies will increase consumer stickiness and drive new revenue streams through user authentication services. "

"Mobile Connect brings together an ecosystem of trusted mobile operators and service providers to provide consumers with the ability to use their mobile phone for managing their access to online services, giving them greater control and a means of access that is more secure and convenient," said Marie Austenaa, Head of Personal Data, GSMA.

SecureKey briidge.net™ Connect is a cloud-based digital identity and authentication service platform providing the strongest level of security available today, while delivering a compelling user experience. The platform is designed to support all in-market devices today, enabling strong security across all delivery channels.