In Kazakhstan, the rules for accessing state digital resources have changed: SMS codes from the number 1414 are no longer in use. Owners of information systems have been instructed to strengthen authentication mechanisms in order to prevent cases of fraud.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, previously, for the convenience of users, access to a number of government services was granted using a one-time code sent from the number 1414.
According to experts, this mechanism could be exploited by criminals: it was enough to enter the phone number of the intended victim for an SMS with a service code to be sent to it.
Now, owners of information systems have been instructed to stop generating such SMS in favour of more secure methods of identity verification. It is reported that access to systems using the 1414 SMS gateway is now only possible using biometric authentication (FaceID), an electronic digital signature (EDS), or a special QR code (eGov QR).
According to the ministry, from December of this year, information systems that have not implemented these mandatory requirements have been disconnected from the 1414 SMS gateway.
The department states that it continues systematic cooperation with state bodies on issues of combating telephone fraud and protecting citizens' personal data.
To improve users' digital literacy, informational banners with recommendations have been placed on the main page of the eGov Mobile application: how to recognise suspicious activity, follow the rules of cyber hygiene, and use digital services safely.