eGovernment initiatives have transformed the public sector of many countries - enhancing and improving the lives of citizens by delivering quality public services resulting in increased user trust, accelerated service delivery and seamless access to information.
A large volume of electronic data is travelling across to third parties, which at times could be numerous transfers down a supply chain. Such supply chains could be individuals or companies (third party suppliers) that provide external services such as hosting, outsourced billing, electoral role services, regulators and research. Governments are faced with unprecedented risk with a requirement to build security into the entire digital estate - across multiple devices, networks and infrastructures.
Data security within the eGovernment sector is crucial - citizens need to embrace new digital public services and also trust that their personal data is being handled securely.
Cryptography plays a major role in the implementation of secure systems: confidentiality, integrity and authentication.
Applications for Safe Digital Processes
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
PKI ensures confidentiality, integrity, authenticity and non-repudiation of sensitive information. Encrypting data at rest and in transit guards it against theft or tampering, and guarantees that digital identity provides secure authentication of users and applications to protect against fraud.
Data and Database Encryption
Effective database security has become increasingly important- without a comprehensive strategy, a great deal of sensitive data could be at risk. Database encryption using HSMs protects and secures sensitive data.
Post Quantum Crypto Agility (Future Proofs and PQC)
At this time, no quantum computer can run quantum algorithms, however once they are able to, these computers will decimate the security infrastructure of the digital economy. Post-quantum crypto-agility is a necessity for the eGovernment infrastructure to be able to evolve in the advent of a new generation of attacks and consequently evolving cryptographic standards and algorithms.
Blockchain
The integration of HSMs into a blockchain solution secures the privacy and security that may be lost by distributing proprietary software to an untrusted network of blockchain operators. By storing private keys and data within the HSM, data integrity and user authentication can be dramatically improved. Proprietary code can even be stored and run fully within an HSM to protect intellectual property.
