Siemens develops software to block eID function of new German identity card

Munich, Germany, From November 2010 onwards, German citizens can use the new ID card to uniquely identify themselves when using E-Government or E-Business services over the Internet. This is made possible by the new electronic identity (eID) function on the card. In the event of such a card being lost, the holder can immediately have the eID blocked from further use. Siemens IT Solutions and Services has been commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) to develop and integrate the IT solution for blocking functions of the ID card. This solution will permit electronic storage and management of block flags. Siemens IT Solutions and Services will act as the general contractor for the project and is cooperating with the German Federal Printing Office. The solution is scheduled to go live on 1 November 2010.

In addition to the overall architecture for the IT solution, Siemens IT Solutions and Services is also responsible as general contractor for the implementation, integration and commissioning of the application at the operating agency – the German Federal Office of Administration (BVA). The Federal Printing Office will be developing the blocking software for the IT solution, while Siemens IT Solutions and Services will deliver the software for long-term archiving. The IT provider will also create an IT security concept in line with the customer’s requirements and support the testing and piloting phases at the BVA.

The BVA will use the software solution to add information about cards which are to be blocked, due to loss for example, to the central blocking list. The agency stores this data in a database in an audit-compliant manner, creates blocking lists and passes these to the Trust Centers. On behalf of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), these Trust Centers are responsible for issuing digital certificates for the providers of online services. These certificates are the service providers’ electronic authentication and enable them to read the holder’s data from the card. The online providers consult the Trust Center’s block lists to check whether an individual card is currently valid. This new functionality will be available to service providers from November 2010 onwards.

Siemens IT Solutions and Services is an internationally leading provider of IT solutions and services. It covers the entire IT service chain from a single source, from consulting to system integration, right through to the management of IT infrastructures. In addition, Siemens IT Solutions and Services complements the portfolio offerings of the Siemens Sectors with IT solutions. With its comprehensive know-how and industry-specific knowledge, the IT provider creates measurable added value for its customers. Siemens IT Solutions and Services employs more than 35,000 people, and in fiscal 2009, which ended on 30 September, posted annual sales of around 4.7 billion euros, of which over 75 percent are generated outside of the Siemens Sectors. Further information at: www.siemens.com/it-solutions

Reference Number: SIS201004010e