UAE-based Etisalat Group has joined forces in a strategic partnership with Ericsson and Souq.com to enable secure authentication on websites and mobile applications for customers across the Mena region.

Etisalat’s Mobile Connect service will be activated across the majority of Etisalat’s global operations, with Souq.com strategically selected to feature the service on its on-line portal.

This follows the announcement that Mobile Connect was awarded ‘The Mobile Connect Award for Best Authentication & Identity’ at GSMA’s Global Mobile Awards in Barcelona, Spain.

Khalifa Al Shamsi, chief digital services officer Etisalat Group, said: “From website log-in management to digital signature, the phone number is increasingly becoming the secure digital identity.”

“Every mobile user has a unique global mobile identity through their phone number and mobile operators are working closer than ever to use this identity to provide a broad range of advanced and innovative services. Etisalat’s award winning ‘Mobile Connect’ streamlines and secures the various digital environments customers use on a daily basis, varying from on-line shopping to advance eGovernment services, to enhance their experience,” he added.

Instead of relying on passwords, mobile users will now be able to use their mobile phones to authenticate their login to any device and service. Etisalat uses the latest Open ID Connect technology to protect the customer’s data, creating another layer of security.

Rafiah Ibrahim, president Ericsson Region Middle East and East Africa said: “Our Partnership with Etisalat today marks an evolutionary step to address one of the challenges that consumers are facing through Mobile Connect Services. Our innovative technology will provide the consumers with convenience, security, and privacy, protecting their digital identities, to make it easier and safer to use digital services.”

Ronaldo Mouchawar, chief executive officer at souq.com said: “As our world becomes increasingly connected, consumers are rightly concerned about the security of their digital identity as they access more and more information from a wide range of online services.”

“Etisalat and the global MNO community are uniquely positioned to deliver new and tangible value to consumers, application developers, merchants and government agencies alike. We, at souq.com are extremely pleased to be a part of this strategic alliance and the first eCommerce portal in the MEA region to lead adaptation of this transformational technology.”

Gaining access to the service is simple – users can sign in via any supported website or app (look for the Mobile Connect button) using their mobile phone number, a statement said.

The account is then unlocked through the mobile phone, allowing a user to create a new mobile identity to discover, manage, and keep track of all connected websites and apps, it added. – TradeArabia News Service