The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has extended an invitation to Nigeria to participate in the Blockchain Secure Authentication (BSA) Application Challenge.
As per the ITU’s announcement on its official website, the BSA Application Challenge represents a compelling opportunity for innovators and developers to redefine user authentication within digital financial services (DFS).
This initiative aims to champion Blockchain Secure Authentication (BSA) as a solution to address the weaknesses inherent in traditional “shared secrets” such as passwords and one-time passwords, which are vulnerable to phishing attacks and theft.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has cordially invited Nigeria to participate in the Blockchain Secure Authentication (BSA) Application Challenge.
According to details shared on the ITU’s official website, the BSA Application Challenge offers an exciting avenue for innovators and developers to redefine user authentication within the digital financial services (DFS) sector.
This challenge is geared towards promoting Blockchain Secure Authentication (BSA) as a solution to address the vulnerabilities associated with conventional “shared secrets” like passwords and one-time passwords, which are often exploited by phishing and theft.
Organized by ITU as part of the activities of the DFS security lab and supported by FNSV Korea, this initiative promises participants the unique opportunity to develop and implement cutting-edge BSA solutions. These solutions aim not only to bolster user privacy and security but also to streamline the user experience by eliminating the need for password memorization and input at each login.
Open to individuals from ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates, and Academic Institutions, the challenge serves as a platform for participants to gain practical experience in deploying BSA technologies.
Through their innovative solutions, developers can contribute to creating a safer and more efficient digital financial ecosystem. All are encouraged to join in shaping the future of secure authentication in DFS.
Participants are urged to thoroughly review the BSA Application Challenge Participation Guidelines before registering for the competition.
Registration can be completed via the Zindi platform, and teams of 1-5 participants are welcome. ITU has partnered with Zindi to provide a global platform for developers to engage in the BSA Application Challenge.
For those without infrastructure for Digital Wallet Application development, server provision may be requested after team creation/joining.
The primary objective of the challenge is to ensure highly secure and seamless passwordless authentication using BSA for DFS users accessing platforms via web and mobile applications. The platform should facilitate easy access to customer profiles and banking services.
Key challenge components include:
- Passwordless Application Login Authentication
- Passwordless Transactions Confirmation
- Passwordless Access Control Authentication
The challenge timeline is as follows:
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
