Press Release – GSMA Open Gateway available in Greece: COSMOTE TELEKOM and Vodafone collaborate for fraud prevention and digital security of their customers

Η COSMOTE TELEKOM και η Vodafone, οι μεγαλύτεροι πάροχοι κινητής τηλεφωνίας στην Ελλάδα, συνεργάζονται για την εισαγωγή καινοτόμων διεπαφών δικτύου APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), στο πλαίσιο της πρωτοβουλίας GSMA Open Gateway. Η συνεργασία αυτή σηματοδοτεί μια νέα εποχή ενισχυμένης ψηφιακής ασφάλειας και πρόληψης απάτης για τις επιχειρήσεις, αναδεικνύοντας την κοινή δέσμευση των δύο παρόχων για την προστασία της διαδικτυακής ασφάλειας των χρηστών κινητής τηλεφωνίας στην Ελλάδα, ενώ παράλληλα ενισχύει την πρόοδο της ψηφιακής οικονομίας.

This collaboration is a milestone for the telecommunications industry in Greece, as the two companies collaborate to provide the  Number Verification and SIM Swap APIsThrough this joint initiative, COSMOTE TELEKOM and Vodafone empower businesses by providing them with seamless access to advanced security solutions, creating new capabilities to combat fraud and ensure safe digital experiences.

Redefining digital security 

Having been developed based on the CAMARA model, the Number Verify and SIM Swap APIs are powerful tools for combating fraud and improving identification processes.

• Number Verification: Designed to securely and automatically verify a user’s identity during the login process, this API eliminates the need for one-time passwords (OTPs) via SMS. By upgrading the authentication process to an automated function, businesses can deliver a smoother user experience while reducing the vulnerabilities associated with manual data entry.

• SIM Swap: Designed to detect when a mobile phone number has recently been linked to a new SIM card, this API helps businesses mitigate the risk of account takeovers of their customers by malicious third parties, especially in sensitive transactions in sectors such as financial services. Businesses can leverage this tool to improve their security protocols and achieve safer interactions with their customers.

Fraud prevention and seamless experience

Through their collaboration, COSMOTE TELEKOM and Vodafone are redefining security standards in the Greek mobile telephony market. By implementing these APIs, they address risks such as third-party account takeovers and authentication failures, providing businesses and developers with reliable tools to protect customers.

At the same time, the new services promote simplicity and interoperability, enabling digital platforms across Greece to offer faster, safer and more seamless user experiences. COSMOTE TELEKOM and Vodafone are expected to make the Number Verification v2, extending its functionality through connections outside the Mobile communication network, such as WiFi, VPN, etc. to further enhance its impact on the market.

Ενιαία δέσμευση για την ασφάλεια και την ανάπτυξη της αγοράς

This collaboration reflects a shared vision for the strengthening security and development in the Greek mobile telephony ecosystem, putting the customer at the center, while at the same time, it is also a innovative ecosystem which will contribute to digital development many applications in the future.

Παγκόσμιες προοπτικές μέσω του GSMA Open Gateway

The joint initiative is aligned with the global GSMA Open Gateway, which Greece joined this year  Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, which unites telecommunications networks from around the world through APIs. With 85 provider groups representing 300 networks and covering 81% of mobile connections worldwide, this initiative further enhances the value of services provided in Greece, enabling developers to expand internationally and create new revenue opportunities on a cross-border level.

«Η συνεργασία αυτή αντικατοπτρίζει τη δέσμευσή μας να δημιουργούμε λύσεις που ωφελούν τους πελάτες μας, ιδιώτες και επιχειρήσεις, που βασίζονται καθημερινά στις υπηρεσίες κινητής τηλεφωνίας. Είμαστε υπερήφανοι που παρέχουμε εργαλεία τα οποία επαναπροσδιορίζουν τα πρότυπα ασφάλειας, αποτελούν παράδειγμα καινοτομίας και συμβάλλουν σε μια ομαλότερη ψηφιακή εμπειρία για τον πελάτη. Παράλληλα, αξιοποιώντας σημαντικές συνέργειες με τον Όμιλο TELEKOM, δημιουργούμε προστιθέμενη αξία για τους πελάτες μας.», stated Mr. Lykourgos Antonopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer Business Segment Group OTE.

«Το λανσάρισμα των APIs για την πρόληψη απάτης στην ελληνική αγορά αποτελεί σημαντικό ορόσημο στην αποστολή μας να κάνουμε τις ψηφιακές συναλλαγές ασφαλέστερες και πιο ανθεκτικές», said Johanna Wood, Director of Network APIs at Vodafone. “As businesses across Greece accelerate their digital transformation, the need for real-time fraud detection has never been greater. Our APIs are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, enabling businesses to prevent fraud, protect customers, and confidently evolve in a complex threat landscape.”

Henry Calvert, head of networks at the GSMA, said: “Greece’s largest telecom providers will make it easier for banks and e-commerce platforms to protect their customers from the growing threat of digital fraud by introducing APIs for fraud prevention and identity verification. Standardized, global APIs will enable developers to accelerate the creation and commercialization of applications across multiple markets, while providing more secure, seamless and simple user experiences».