Verizon Business helps secure Australia’s International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon Business Australia announced over 1.3 million International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates downloaded in the first month as Australia reopens for international travel. The certificate features a QR code that ensures secure validation by immigration authorities and airlines. The digital signing process prevents unauthorized access, utilizing hardware security modules. The initiative aims to enhance online platform integrity and communication security, addressing over 61% of data breaches involving stolen credentials. Verizon has supported the Australian government for over 20 years.

Positive

• 1.3 million certificates downloaded in the first month, indicating strong demand.
• Collaboration with the Australian Passport Office enhances government service integrity.
• Effective safeguarding against tampering and data breaches with QR codes.

Negative

• None.

More than 1.3 million certificates downloaded in the first month as Australia opens up for global travel

CANBERRA, Australia, Feb. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Australians gear up for the further reopening of international travel lanes in 2022, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is a necessity.

To provide this proof, Verizon Business Australia worked with the Australian Passport Office in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to develop the country’s International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate.

The international certificate features a Quick Response (QR) code, which is generated using the COVID-19 vaccination information in the Australian Immunisation Register and the traveler’s passport details. Also known as a Visible Digital Seal, each individual QR code is digitally signed to help protect against tampering and can be validated by most immigration authorities as well at airline check-ins. The digital signing process uses private digital keys that are stored on Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) to help prevent unauthorized access. The keys are certified using the Australian Country Signing Certification Authority (CSCA), managed by Verizon and accredited under the Australian Gatekeeper framework.

Verizon Business Group’s Regional Vice President for the Asia-Pacific region, Robert Le Busque, commented, “Speed and accuracy were critical for this important national initiative to get established and operational, we are extremely proud to work with the Australian Passport Office to deliver a service that is instrumental in opening up Australia to the world once again.”

“When it comes to authenticating communications and ensuring a user-friendly experience, certificates are seen as the gold standard. Given 61% of confirmed data breaches involve stolen credentials, this approach plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the government’s online platform," concluded Le Busque.

Verizon Business Australia is a panelist on the Whole-of-Australian-Government Telecommunications Marketplace and supports many Public Key Infrastructure deployments within government, property, tax and healthcare industries. Verizon has provided managed network and security services to enterprise and government agencies in Australia for over 20 years. The Company’s state-of-the-art Asia-Pacific Advanced Security Operations Center is based in Canberra and staffed by Australian government cleared security specialists providing 24 x 7 monitoring. In 2019, Verizon inked an agreement with NBN Co to provide extended business connectivity services to Australian enterprises and government agencies.

Learn more about how to authenticate users and protect critical data. More information about the international certificate is available from www.passports.gov.au

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $133.6 billion in 2021. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

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Media contacts:
Nilesh Pritam
nilesh.pritam@sg.verizon.com
+65 9277 9048

FAQ

What is the significance of the International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate for VZ?

The International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate facilitates international travel for Australians, crucial as global travel resumes.

How many vaccination certificates were downloaded in the first month by Verizon Business Australia?

More than 1.3 million certificates were downloaded in the first month.

What technology is used in the QR codes of the vaccination certificates?

The QR codes are digitally signed using private keys stored on hardware security modules.

What percentage of data breaches are due to stolen credentials, as mentioned by Verizon?

61% of confirmed data breaches involve stolen credentials.

How long has Verizon provided services to the Australian government?

Verizon has provided managed network and security services to the Australian government for over 20 years.