With tech advancement on the rise, this era has seen our digital identities being increasingly intertwined with our mobile phones. As a result, the security of our personal data has never been more critical.
One of the most concerning threats, which continues to rise, is the fraudulent registration of SIM cards, where criminals use unsuspecting citizens’ IDs or passports to acquire mobile numbers for illicit activities.
To tackle this growing challenge and empower its citizens, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is announcing its intention to procure a centralised ID-to-SIM card checker.
The core mission of this service is to provide a straightforward, accessible tool for individuals to verify the integrity of their identity. It is designed to answer a simple but vital question: has anyone else used my ID to register a mobile phone number without my knowledge or consent?
With this service, anyone can easily find out how many mobile numbers are registered in their name. A person will simply send their national ID or passport number to a special short code via SMS. The system will then interface with the databases of all Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators in the country, collating the results and returning a complete list of all SIM card numbers linked to that ID.
The Authority has outlined robust technical specifications. The solution will be cloud-based, ensuring scalability, resilience, and high availability. It must handle a significant volume of inquiries, with the technical capability to process up to 5,000 SMS per minute, keeping the service responsive even during peak demand.
A key feature of the system’s design is its intelligent querying process. To enhance efficiency and reduce inter-operator traffic, it will first perform a pre-check to determine the primary network associated with the ID owner before expanding the search to all other networks. The backend integration must be seamless, interfacing harmoniously with every licensed operator in the country.
With the service handling highly sensitive details like ID numbers and personal phone records, data security is a top priority. The technical requirements mandate stringent data masking and encryption protocols. All sensitive data will be protected both in transit and at rest, ensuring citizens can access information about their own identity while safeguarding it against unauthorized access.
The solution will also include a secure, browser-based Graphical User Interface for system administrators. This dashboard will provide real-time statistical insights and monitoring capabilities, allowing the Authority to oversee system health and observe trends without compromising individual privacy.
Ultimately, the introduction of this checker will be a significant leap forward in digital consumer protection. It provides citizens with a simple and powerful tool to audit their digital footprint, helping protect against identity theft and financial fraud while strengthening the integrity of the telecommunications sector.
