Monthly Archives: février 2021

Spotlight on Everlink

1.What is the mission and vision of Everlink?

Vision – To be the leading provider of Comprehensive, Innovative and Integrated Payment Solutions and Services for credit unions, banks and SMEs in Canada.

Mission – CLIENT-CENTRICITY ABOVE ALL

• Continue to DIVERSIFY as a comprehensive, innovative and integrated Payment Solutions Provider, extending our core products and services and Expanding our Lines-of-Business, in alignment with a clear, understood and communicated Solution Roadmap.

• Continue to DIFFERENTIATE as a recognized Leader in the Payments Industry with Best-in-Class Performance, Innovative Solutions and Outstanding Client Service & Support.

• Continue to GROW through Expanded Market Focus, Joint-Ventures, Alliances and Partnerships.

2. Why is trustworthy digital identity critical for existing and emerging markets?

Since we live in a digitally connected world where digital interaction becomes the de facto mode of connection between 2 parties, it is essential that we have standards around how parties could identify themselves in a digital mode. This is beneficial to all markets and would become the cornerstone of the future digital economy. As digital identity becomes a norm globally, we become positioned for inclusive growth across all sectors and aspects of life.

3. How will digital identity transform the Canadian and global economy? How does your organization address challenges associated with this transformation?

In the financial sector, identity is an important component that allows transactions to happen in a compliant fashion. An identity standard would help the global financial sector innovate much further in an accelerated manner.

Everlink is one of the largest payment services firms in Canada. A digital identity framework upon which Everlink can develop new payment solutions will allow us to offer better solutions to our clients who do business worldwide.

4. What role does Canada have to play as a leader in this space?

Canada is already playing a thought leader role through many collaborative initiatives between the public and private sector, like the DIACC initiative. The adoption of digital identity by federal and provincial governments is not only an impetus to the Canadian private sector but to the different industry verticals and governments across the world. It is vital that the Canadian government projects initiatives like DIACC as Canada’s identity success brand and offer the rest of the world the offer to assist them and or collaborate with other similar initiatives globally.

5. Why did your organization join the DIACC?

Identity is an integral part of the payment ecosystem. Everlink is in the business of providing innovative payment solutions to the Canadian financial service ecosystem. We want to be part of developing and incorporating the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework DIACC into the products and services we offer to our clients.

6. What else should we know about your organization?

Everlink’s 4 Cornerstones:

1. Client-Centricity

2. Operational Performance

3. Innovation

4. Strength

Everlink’s Guiding Principles:

• We are Client-Centric – Above all.

• We must Earn Our Clients’ Business every day – There is no such thing as “entitlement”.

• We get things DONE – Urgency.

• We do What We Say, When We Say; We get it Right the First Time – Quality.

• We are Focused on the Future – But respectful of the past.

About Everlink Payments Services Inc. – Everlink Payment Services Inc. is a leading provider of comprehensive, innovative and integrated payments solutions and services for credit unions, banks, and SMEs across Canada. In addition to supplying best‐in-breed technology infrastructure and payment network connectivity, we offer a comprehensive range of integrated payments Lines of Business including: Payment Network Gateway, ATM Managed Services, Card Issuance & Management, Fraud Management Solutions, Mobile Payments, Professional Services and SME Solutions.

Visit us at www.Everlink.ca

Decentralized Identity and DIACC PCTF Authentication

While the Authentication component may have been mostly developed before Decentralized Identity approaches emerged, this document demonstrates that Authentication is applicable in the context of Decentralized Identity systems and encourages service providers not to lose sight of good security practice even in the face of new approaches.

Download the paper.

Decentralized-Identity-and-DIACC-PCTF-Authentication-1

Digital ID, the next step to easier, more convenient government services for citizens

Contributions made by members of the DIACC’s Outreach Expert Committee

Across the country, governments are grappling with digital transformation, in an effort to offer services to citizens and businesses with greater flexibility and ease of access. With COVID-19, these efforts are all the more pressing to enable service at a distance and recognize that many people have settled into a new, more remote way of operating.

Moving governments online is not a new focus. Governments have been tackling this transformation for well over 10 years. As technology has advanced and people have grown comfortable transacting digitally, government efforts have also increased to put more information and services online. Yet, the more complex services, (i.e., ones that deal with sensitive data, require multi-ministry involvement, or involve large payouts by way of grants or loans), still generally remain offline, largely due to one key problem: proving that the person behind the computer is who they say they are. The answer to this problem is digital ID.

Digital ID is the ability to identify someone electronically and confirm that they are the right person for a specific activity. When coupled with program information, a Digital ID can help confirm that the person has permission or authorization to carry out a transaction or activity. When delivered well, it offers citizens and businesses improved data security, increased flexibility to access government services when and how they want, and ultimately is a key foundation for accelerating our digital economy. Just think of all the times in banking, education, health and even buying alcohol where you’re required to produce a physical ID.

In a digital ID world, improved privacy and security can complement convenience, rather than inhibit it. The old ways ask us to show up in person for a signature or to show ID, or to fill out a form with all sorts of personal information that is then collected and stored where it’s left susceptible to hacks, and frankly, simply becoming out of date. Digital IDs allow us to confirm information without storing it. Governments can ask you for personal information – an address, birthdate, or even your photo – and compare it against sources of truth like vital stats or the driver’s license database. But then, critically, that information is discarded. No additional storage and you’ve proven it’s you without leaving your own home.

The promise has been significant, but until recently it has been inhibited by immature technology, a lack of standards to build trust and safeguard Canadians, and with few exceptions, a lack of public-sector investment to dig in and get digital IDs delivered across the country. Fortunately, in the last few years that’s all started to change.Both Alberta and British Columbia have launched digital IDs, with BC including a mobile card and a Verify by Video option. Provinces like Quebec have madesignificant investments, and other jurisdictions likeOntario, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick are nudging into the space with pilots, proofs of concepts and digital ID components offered through their single-sign ons. Enabling the broader digital economy is also on the horizon. Digital documents, such as government-issued licences, permits, and education credentials, are envisioned to support digital trade and commerce, and to enable individuals and organizations to participate in the digital economy and society.

In short, federal, provincial, territorial and municipal collaboration is coalescing like never before, with strong leadership and a sense of purpose. Digital ID solution providers are emerging in Canada’s tech sector, thanks in part to creative challenges, pilot projects and investment from the public sector. The Pan-Canadian Trust Framework, and its public sector counterpart, the Public Sector Profile, have emerged to provide the blueprints for digital ID in Canada and are being accelerated with the increasing realization that social distancing is here to stay, for a while.

Once we have the confidence that the person on the internet is truly who they say they are, that they are a legitimate, verified person, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. We can start to attach proofs to digital ID, like proof of vaccination or essential worker status. We can use digital IDs to prove online that we’re the correct person to write an exam, sign a mortgage or contract, or stamp blueprints.

We can use digital IDs to speed up lines at the airports, borders and other secure access points with trusted, reliable ‘scan and go’ systems, and we can use digital ID to help maintain that all important social distancing, protecting the safety of workers and citizens by not having to hand over your physical ID card and instead presenting your phone to be scanned. Digital ID offers Canadians improved data security, enhanced access and increased flexibility when dealing with governments, and ultimately will support ushering in an enhanced digital economy.

Governments across the country are working harder than ever to make digital ID a reality. The necessary investment, focus, and accelerators that allow governments to move with trust and confidence are finally starting to come together. With COVID-19 still very much present, now more than ever is the time to make the shift. Look to the DIACC to learn more about digital ID and primary accelerators like the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework and the ever growing vendor community working to verify identity online.

Spotlight on Vaultie

1.What is the mission and vision of Vaultie?

At Vaultie our mission is to allow physical people to both provide, and control, indisputable links to their digital documents (and other assets) while providing complete user control over their documents privacy. From legal documents to payments to driver’s licenses, we strive to let people stand beside their actions and intent. We do this by building secure, easy-to-use software based on verifiable credentials, blockchain, and ethical facial recognition. All of which have incredible power to enable this technology and together are creating the ability to provide a safer and more efficient future.

2. Why is trustworthy digital identity critical for existing and emerging markets?

A trustworthy digital identity is critical for existing and emerging markets because it breaks down barriers and allows business to be conducted regardless of location and economic circumstances. The ability to trust a person, despite not having them physically present is necessary to allow cross-border cooperation on business activities and this software facilitates this.

3. How will digital identity transform the Canadian and global economy? How does your organization address challenges associated with this transformation?

Digital identity will streamline the way Canadians access their most important services, from government services to banking, to legal documents. Most importantly, digital identity and authentication shift control of that information to the user which is more secure and protects their privacy.

Digital identities will become a critical compliance tool for many businesses, particularly banking, law, government services, and insurance by facilitating trust between the person and a “Verifier”. On the most relatable level, the trust that can be facilitated by digital identity enables Canadians to spend less time physically having to go somewhere to show credentials or sign documents and more time on their own projects or with their families.

4. What role does Canada have to play as a leader in this space?

Canada has already demonstrated its ability to lead the charge in digital identity and services. It has an educated user base who are demanding frictionless interactions with industries that seem to be willing to adopt them. DIACC plays a central role in bringing all of those players to the table and creating a unified landscape which we can use to facilitate digital identity standards across various industries. We’re thrilled to be joining the conversation on how to best make that a reality.

5. Why did your organization join the DIACC?

We think Verifiable Credentials and digital ID play an important role in shaping the way Canadians access their services and conduct business. There’s a lot of industries that need to collaborate in order to facilitate that reality. We joined DIACC to be part of that conversation, offer our expertise on Identity linked documents, and learn how we can facilitate the adoption of digital ID and authentication through conversations with other industry players.

6. What else should we know about your organization?

We’re a group of young energized technologists, with backgrounds in financial services and blockchain, and access to a coffee machine! We’re driven by allowing people to show transparency in their business dealings, while maintaining their privacy. Vaultie started off with a goal of creating a fraud-proof digital signature, which could show indisputable proof that a person, and not just their account, signed a document. We’re really proud of our Vaultie digital signature product, which can be verified and trusted by any third party the signatory chooses to share it with. We could not have dreamed about the opportunities that now exist with digital credentials and are excited to be working on the future of trustless interactions.

La COVID-19 a accéléré la demande des Canadiens pour une identité numérique

Selon une étude du Conseil canadien de l’identification et de l’authentification numériques, trois quarts des Canadiens trouvent important d’avoir une identité numérique sûre et fiable qui protège davantage la vie privée pour effectuer des transactions en ligne en toute sécurité

    lire le rapport ici

    lire le résumé du rapport ici

    lire le résumé du rapport d’une page ici

    Toronto, le 16 février 2021 – Alors que le nombre de Canadiens et d’entreprises qui font le saut en ligne augmente en raison de la pandémie de COVID-19, les trois quarts de la population estiment important d’avoir une identité sûre et fiable qui protège davantage la vie privée pour effectuer des transactions en ligne en toute sécurité. 

    « Qu’il s’agisse de recevoir des prestations d’urgence liées à la pandémie, de s’assurer que les dossiers de santé sont exacts ou d’aider les enfants et les jeunes à étudier en ligne, une identité numérique sûre est essentielle de bien des façons pour le fonctionnement de la vie quotidienne pendant une pandémie », a déclaré Joni Brennan, présidente du Conseil canadien de l’identification et de l’authentification numérique (CCIAN). La pandémie a mis en évidence la nécessité pour les gouvernements d’agir avec urgence pour investir dans l’infrastructure numérique nécessaire afin que les Canadiens reçoivent les services dont ils ont besoin et que les entreprises canadiennes puissent participer pleinement et en toute sécurité à l’économie numérique mondiale. »

    Selon l’étude, la majorité des Canadiens estime important que les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux agissent vite pour instaurer une identité numérique d’une manière sécuritaire et sûre. Il ressort également de l’étude qu’une collaboration entre les gouvernements et le secteur privé continue d’être considérée comme la meilleure approche pour créer un cadre d’identité numérique pancanadien.

    « À l’heure où les décideurs réfléchissent à la façon idéale d’investir pour soutenir la relance économique post-pandémie du Canada, l’attribution à tous les Canadiens de justificatifs d’identité numérique de confiance doit être une priorité », a indiqué Dave Nikolejsin, président du Conseil du CCIAN.

    Maintenant que le gouvernement fédéral axe ses efforts sur la relance post-pandémie, c’est censé du point de vue économique d’investir dans l’identité numérique, surtout pour les petites et moyennes entreprises. Les PME pourraient profiter de l’impact de l’identité numérique pour améliorer des processus qui sont actuellement ardus, en particulier dans les cas où les entreprises doivent fournir une preuve d’identité à d’autres compagnies. Sachant que les PME comptent pour environ 30 pour cent du PIB total du Canada (450 milliards de dollars), il suffirait qu’une PME moyenne gagne un pour cent d’efficacité en ayant accès à une identité numérique de confiance pour rapporter potentiellement 4,5 milliards de dollars en valeur ajoutée aux PME et réinvestissements dans l’économie canadienne.

    L’identité numérique est essentielle pour protéger la vie privée au Canada

    Les participants à l’étude ont indiqué que la sûreté, l’efficacité et la protection de la vie privée sont les trois principaux avantages de l’identité numérique. En outre, de très nombreux Canadiens veulent des solutions qui s’appliquent aux secteurs tant public que privé. 

    « Maintenant que le ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et de l’Industrie François-Philippe Champagne a présenté le projet de loi C-11, qui édicte la Loi sur la mise en œuvre de la Charte numérique, afin d’introduire dans le secteur privé des mesures destinées à protéger les données des consommateurs, c’est impératif que la législation tienne également compte du secteur public », a affirmé Joni Brennan.

    Une identité numérique aiderait à protéger les données des Canadiens et faciliterait l’accès aux services à l’échelle du gouvernement alors que nous traversons la pandémie et nous dirigeons vers la reprise. C’est pourquoi il faut adopter le cadre de confiance pancanadien.

    Étant donné cette nouvelle étude et ses données irréfutables, c’est le moment idéal pour les gouvernements d’investir pour faire de l’identité numérique une priorité nationale en termes de politique publique. 

    À propos du CCIAN

    Fruit du groupe de travail du gouvernement fédéral chargé d’examiner le système de paiement, le DIACC est une coalition à but non lucratif de leaders des secteurs public et privé qui se sont engagés à développer un cadre canadien d’identité et d’authentification numériques afin que le Canada puisse participer pleinement et d’une manière sécuritaire à l’économie mondiale. Les membres du DIACC incluent des représentants des gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux ainsi que des leaders du secteur privé. Pour plus de renseignements, visitez diacc.ca.

    À PROPOS DE L’ÉTUDE

    Burak Jacobson Research Partners est une firme d’études de marché qui offre des services-conseils complets et a son siège social à Toronto, en Ontario. Fondée en 1981, Burak Jacobson a mené plus de 4 000 projets de recherche dans 39 pays et diverses industries.