The three major telephone operators have announced the joint launch of two digital security services. One is intended to help developers deal with online fraud, and the other is aimed at protecting the digital identities of mobile customers.

Telefónica, Vodafone and Orange have launched these services as members of the Open Gateway global initiative, a common and open framework between operators specifically created to improve the security of online applications and services.

Today, 42 mobile operator groups around the world, representing 65% of global connections, are already part of Open Gateway, powered by the GSMA, an organisation that brings together players in the telecommunications industry from all around the world.

Authentication, verification and security
Developers and cloud service providers will be able to access these tools through unique, programmable mobile network access points, known as APIs (application programmable interfaces). Through them, they will be able to create new intelligent layers of authentication, verification and security for customers on mobile networks. Businesses, financial institutions and online merchants will in this way be able to counter identity fraud attempts.

The new services will be officially launched in the Spanish market during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona from 26-29 February. Their implementation will serve to reduce the levels of cybercrime, which  accounts for around one fifth of the crimes recorded in Spain, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.

Design and marketing model
GSMA's Open Gateway initiative was also launched at MWC Barcelona a year ago. Its new approach will now change the design and marketing model for mobile applications and online services. It will also make online authentication methods easier and faster.

The Phone Verification service will verify the user's mobile number automatically, without resorting to text messages. The SIM Swap will in turn allow you to check whether a given phone number has recently changed SIM cards. Account takeover attacks can in this way be reduced.

Accelerating growth
For the Spanish telecommunications industry, this step represents an opportunity to accelerate the growth of digital services and applications, as it will ensure their seamless integration with national and global mobile networks. Thanks to the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, Spanish developers will be able to take their proposals to new customers outside Spain.

GSMA Director General, Mats Granryd, said, “It's great to see the Spanish mobile industry joining the Open Gateway initiative to help companies and developers deliver better digital experiences over 5G networks. In addition to the benefits for Spanish customers, society and the economy, this initiative also offers Spanish companies the opportunity to expand digital services to other mobile markets around the world.”

^{Photo: Vodafone
_{From left to right: Kate Whitehead (GSMA), Javier Pascual (Telefónica), Beatriz Fernández (Vodafone), Juan Reyero Montes (Orange) and Óscar Rodríguez (Vonage)}}