Mauritian Public Key Infrastructure Ecosystem Launched

It is the Information and Communication Technologies Authority, which is responsible for the Controller of Certification Authorities in online transactions. The company eMudhra Consumer Services Ltd also received recognition as the first certification authority operating in Mauritius. An information guide has also been issued.

ICTA is the organization responsible for the regulation and licensing of Certifying authorities (organizations issuing certificates for electronic transactions). The launch of the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in Mauritius aims to secure online transactions and ensure confidentiality. The objective is to support the growth of electronic commerce and online sales in a secured environment.

The PKI ecosystem is a cyber-security infrastructure implemented to ascertain identities of people, websites, computer programmes and applications and make online transactions secure through the issue of digital certificates. A digital certificate online is similar to an identity card in the real world. The certificate authority verifies user identities and then issues certificates which are stored in an online database.

Controller of certification authorities then approves the methods used by the certification authority to verify the identity of a subscriber before allocating a license or to renew a subscription. The validation procedure of the controller involves the granting of a license / recognition / certificate of approval depending whether the digital certificate authority is a local entity or foreign or belongs to the public service. A permit / recognition / certificate of approval is also granted on paper. The technical infrastructure required to issue the permit / recognition / authorization digital has been installed in May on the premises of ICTA

An informative guide has been issued for the public in which features of laws relating to PKI and their practical aspects are included. Examples of PKI use are also given. The electronic version can be accessed online at the following sites: http://www.cca.mu and http://www.icta.mu. An online forum has also been created so that users can share their opinions and suggestions on these websites.

India’s contribution has significantly helped in launching this infrastructure. Mauritius had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CCA of India in 2009 for the implementation of the PKI. The Indian High Commissioner TP Seetharam and the ICT Minister Tassarajen Chedumbrum Pillay attended the event this week at Ébène.