03 February 2011
SURFnet experiments with smartphone log-in option
A SURFnet experiment now makes it possible to log in to various services via your smartphone. A pilot project for users will be starting up within the next five months. The necessary software will be made available as “open source”.
The experiment tested two different authentication methods. The first involves a QR code being displayed on your PC when you want to log in. You then scan this using the SURFnet application on your smartphone so as to authenticate yourself as the user. With this method, you do not need to give your user name or password.
The other method involves using your smartphone as an extra level of security when logging in. After inputting your user details on the PC, you receive a message on your smartphone. You then have to log in on the smartphone to identify yourself. In other words, you prove that you are who you say you are via your smartphone.
The necessary apps for the iPhone and Android systems will shortly become available and SURFnet will be starting up a pilot project within the next five months. Users will then be able try out the method of logging in via their smartphone.
Because development of this technology has been financed from public funds, SURFnet is making it available as “open source” (both the server software and the source code for the client apps).