Starting from today, 29 April, it is possible to register a Smart-ID account using an ID-card and a smartphone with an NFC connection. There is no need to use a computer, a separate card reader or open an internet browser. The new method replaces the card reader-based account registration that has worked so far and thus reduces the risk of fraud.
The new NFC-based Smart-ID registration method further complements the protection against fraud, as the mobile phone and the ID-card must be physically in the same place when registering. This makes it significantly more difficult for frauds related to the creation of Smart-ID accounts, where victims are directed to enter the PIN code of the ID-card.
“The new NFC-based (contactless) Smart-ID registration makes creating an account both safer and easier. Previously, it was possible for fraudsters to mislead the user and direct them to perform operations with the ID-card, but now the card and smartphone must be physically together at the same time, i.e. the card must be placed against the phone. This eliminates account creation fraud through remote tutoring. At the same time, the process will become more convenient for the user: the entire registration will take place directly on the smartphone, without a computer or card reader, and the steps will be clearer and faster,” said Mihkel Tammsalu, Head of eID and Trust Services at SK ID Solutions.
To register and renew a Smart-ID account using NFC, you need an NFC-enabled Estonian ID card and an NFC-enabled smartphone. NFC functionality is supported by ID-cards issued since 2018, including the new generation of cards that will be issued from 2025.
Anna Õuekallas, Head of the Electronic Identity Department of the Information System Authority (RIA), noted that the NFC chip of the ID-card gives service providers the opportunity to create solutions that are both more secure and user-friendly at the same time. “I am glad to see that the introduction of this functionality is constantly expanding,” Õuekallas added.
The new method makes the introduction of Smart-ID faster and more convenient and strengthens the security of using e-services.
