More opportunities for Linux and Mac with new ID-card software

12.10.2009

With the help of the public test version of the new ID-card software, users of Linux and Mac can now log in to web sites, sign documents, and change the PIN-codes of their ID-cards.

According to the deputy director of EIC, Kalle Arula, the new software lets the users of Linux and Mac use the possibilities of the ID-card, in addition to those using MS Windows. „Even though the software was launched recently and some web sites are just being adjusted to work with the new solution, it is now possible to sign and look at signed documents offline, manage one’s ID-card, and authenticate oneself online. The possibility of giving one’s signature online will increase by time – for that the owners of online portals, e.g. the bigger banks, must adjust their software.“

„While installing the new software, though, one must remember it is a public test version and thus the users might experience some problems with it. We advise MS Windows users to continue using the older version for now as we concentrated on developing the software for the systems that lacked any support for the ID-card,“ Arula added.

With the new software, users of Linux and Max finally get a graphic utility as well as a document signing tool for their ID-cards. The software was requested by EIC and developed by OÜ Smartlink, the development was supported by the EU Regional Development Fund.

The new ID-card software can be downloaded from: https://id.eesti.ee

EIC creates unit for defense of critical information systems

30.09.2009

On 1st of October, the department for Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (CIIP) will be launched at EIC. The aim of the department is creating the defense system for Estonia’s critical information infrastructure as well as running the system.

CIIP will deal with the vital element of the protection of important information systems in Estonia – the IT systems of both the public and private sector. CIIP will coordinate the general protective actions, yet the owner of every vital service will still be responsible for the daily defense of their system.

Head of CIIP, Toomas Viira, explains, “Nowadays a large part of our daily actions is supported directly or indirectly by various IT systems. When paying with our bank card, the IT systems at the bank must function; to call on the phone, the IT systems of the phone operator must function; for the traffic lights to function, their IT systems must work; IT systems are also used in electric plants and networks, air control would be unfathomable without IT systems etc. For example, what would happen, if the IT system for your local sewage plant would stop functioning? Or how would a long-term blackout affect various systems?”

According to Viira, one central unit was needed that would analyze the state’s vital services and the influence of various IT systems to one another. “CIIP will analyze the threats and risks of various services and will give recommendations on improving the systems’ defense. While CIIP starts to work on a strategic level, CERT Estonia will continue working on the operative level.”

The idea of creating the department was born two years ago, when the compiling of the cyber defense strategy for 2008-2013 began. This year two people will start work in the department – the head of department and the head of risks, in the future there are plans to increase the number of people.

15.08.2009 State Portal eesti.ee is being updated

11.08.2009 100 project proposals presented to develop information society

17.03.2009 Parents can learn how to protect their children online

14.08.2008 Information about cyber attacks in Georgia, sent by CERT Estonia experts from Georgia.

11.07.2008 A record has been set!

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