The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has invited Nigeria to take part in the Blockchain Secure Authentication (BSA) Application Challenge.
According to the ITU on its website, the BSA Application Challenge is an exciting opportunity for innovators and developers to revolutionize user authentication in digital financial services (DFS).
This challenge focuses on promoting Blockchain Secure Authentication (BSA) to overcome the vulnerabilities of traditional “shared secrets” like passwords and one-time passwords, which are susceptible to phishing and theft.
Independent News Express reports that the BSA application challenge is organised by ITU as part of the activities of the DFS security lab and with the kind support of FNSV Korea.
Participants in this challenge will have the unique opportunity to develop and implement cutting-edge BSA solutions, which not only enhance user privacy and security but also streamline the user experience by eliminating the need for remembering and inputting passwords at each login. The initiative seeks to elevate authentication standards in DFS by leveraging the robust and secure framework of blockchain technology.
Open to individuals from ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates, Academic Institutions, the challenge is a platform for participants to acquire practical skills in deploying BSA technologies.
Through this challenge, developers can showcase their innovative solutions, contributing to a safer and more efficient digital financial ecosystem. Join us in shaping the future of secure authentication in the realm of DFS.
- The ITU says participants should read carefully the BSA application Challenge Participation Guidelines before registering to the competition.
- Registration: To register and enroll in the challenge, use this link to access the Zindi platform. After registration, participants will receive a confirmation email and can a create/join a team to start participating in the competition. Teams can be of size 1-5 participants.
- The ITU has partnered with Zindi to provide a platform for developers globally to participate in the BSA application Challenge.
- After creating/joining a team, Participants without infrastructure for the development of the Digital Wallet Application may request for server provision.
The primary objective is to ensure highly secure and seamless passwordless authentication using BSA for DFS users accessing the platform via web and mobile applications. The platform should enable easy access to customer profiles and banking services. Bank A is committed to a secure and user-friendly digital onboarding process, and authentication allowing customers to access their accounts anytime, anywhere.
Challenge participants will be expected to implement:
- Passwordless Application Login Authentication
- Passwordless Transactions confirmation
- Passwordless Access Control Authentication
- CHALLENGE TIMELINE
- Registration: 04/04/2024 – 30/04/2024.
- Bootcamps:
- 13 – 14 May 2024 09:00–11:30 CEST
- 20 – 21 May 2024 14:30–17:00 CEST
- 24 June 2024 09:00–10:00CEST (Q&A session)
- 24 June 2024 14:30–15:30 CEST (Q&A session)
- Competition: 13/05/2024 – 01/08/2024
- Evaluation: 25/08/2024 – 30/09/2024
- Awards: 14 October 2024
- Showcase: 14 – 24 October 2024
Participants/Teams will compete for the following prizes
- First prize: USD5,000
- Second prize: USD3,000
- Third prize: USD2,000
