On 30 August, an international team of researchers informed the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA) of a vulnerability potentially affecting digital use of Estonian ID cards issued since October 2014.
“Estonian experts assess there to be a possible security risk and we will continue to verify the claims of the researchers,” said Taimar Peterkop, Director-General of RIA. “We have developed the primary solutions to mitigate the risks, and will do our utmost to ensure that the security of the ID-card.”
“Current data shows this risk to be theoretical and there is no evidence of anyone’s digital identity being misused,” said Peterkop. “All ID-card operations are still valid and we will take appropriate actions to secure the functioning of our national digital-ID infrastructure. For example, we have restricted the access to Estonian ID-card public key database to prevent illegal use.”
The possible security risk affects a total of almost 750,000 ID cards issued starting from October 2014 (including cards issued to e-residents). ID cards issued before October 16, 2014, use a different chip and are not influenced. This security risk does not impact the security of mobile-IDs.
“The Estonian digital society relies on innovative technologies. Those new technologies provide good value and services to the public, but may also impose risks. We focus on detecting and mitigating these. This particular case is a good example of how scientific research can pinpoint issues to be solved,” said Taimar Peterkop, head of RIA.
Source: RIA
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