For the first time this allows application providers to access and utilize the Secure Element* within the internet-connected mobile device, providing highly secure two-factor authentication to enable the secure delivery of a host of NFC, payment and identity services. Current levels of single factor authentication – where users log in to a mobile application or service using a password – has been shown to be inadequate as attacks on smartphone and tablet applications increase in number and sophistication. By connecting the application to the Secure Element via the Open Mobile API, many security breaches we see today will become easily preventable. Created by the SIMalliance Open Mobile API workgroup, release v.1.01 of the Open Mobile API delivers the transport layer between the smartphone application and the Secure Element. “The development of a standardised API is a very significant step towards reducing the threat of identity theft and fraud on today’s generation of smartphones and tablets,” says Frédéric Vasnier, Chairman of the Board, SIMalliance. “Knowing their data is safe will increase consumer confidence and stimulate growing demand for new services – and that is good news for the user, the mobile operator and the hundreds of brands that now recognise the opportunities of engaging with their consumers on the mobile.” www.simalliance.org *The Secure Element is an embedded or removable chip within the mobile device built in clean room environments and featuring a unique combination of hardware and software to create the most secure environment in which to deliver mobile services. The SIM is the most widely distributed platform in the world containing a Secure Element, with over 18bn units shipped since its inception.