1 Introduction

1.1.1 The Secure Electronic Environment (S.E.E.) Project is developing a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for use among NZ Government agencies. Its primary purpose is to authenticate public servants to inter-agency web-based applications classified up to SENSITIVE.

1.1.2 The S.E.E. PKI Project's goal is to promote interoperable PKI solutions within the government, the development of common guidance, and the sharing of information, resulting in economies of scale, reduction of risk, and systems that are fast to implement, and easy to use.

1.1.3 This document discusses authentication methods and technologies, and makes recommendations as to authentication mechanisms to be used.