How to do SPID
The SPID (Public System for Digital Identity) is a system that allows Italian citizens to access online services of the public administration and other private companies in a safe and simple way, using a single digital identity.
In practice, SPID works as a sort of digital identity card, allowing authentication on various websites without having to create new accounts or enter personal data each time. Thanks to SPID, in fact, it is enough to log in only once to access all the online services that require authentication.
The SPID system was introduced in Italy in 2016 and is managed by AgID (Agency for Digital Italy). Currently, there are 8 identity providers authorized to issue SPID credentials: Aruba, InfoCert, Intesa, Lepida, Namirial, Poste Italiane, Sielte and Tim.
How does SPID work?
To obtain an SPID, it is necessary to follow some simple procedures. First of all, you have to choose one of the authorized providers and request the digital identity through the provider's website. During registration, some personal data will be required (such as name, surname, tax code) and it will be necessary to provide a valid identification document (identity card or passport).
After completing the registration process, the provider will send the SPID credentials (username and password) to the email address provided during registration. At this point, it will be possible to use SPID to access online services that require authentication.
It is important to underline that SPID guarantees a high level of security thanks to encryption of the data transmitted during authentication. In addition, the system has been designed to respect users' privacy: personal data is managed only by identity providers, while authentication takes place without the hosting websites being able to access such information.
What is SPID used for?
SPID is useful for accessing a wide range of online services, including:
- Public administration services (such as the Fisconline portal of the Revenue Agency)
- Online health services
- Banking and financial services
- Telecommunications services
- Electricity and gas services
In general, SPID greatly simplifies access to online services, eliminating the need to create new accounts on each website or manually enter personal data each time.
Cos'è lo spid e come funziona
SPID (Public System for Digital Identity) is an authentication system that allows Italian citizens to access online services of the Public Administration and private companies with a single digital identity. In practice, with SPID, it is possible to avoid lengthy registration procedures for each individual online service.
The SPID was introduced by the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of October 24, 2014 and is managed by AgID (Agency for Digital Italy).
To obtain an SPID, it is necessary to register with one of the accredited Identity Providers, which are third-party entities authorized to issue SPID credentials. Currently, there are several Identity Providers on the market, including Poste Italiane, Sielte, InfoCert and Tim.
After choosing the Identity Provider, it is necessary to provide personal data for identity verification. Once the registration process is completed, an identification code consisting of a username and password or a two-factor authentication system (such as sending a code via SMS) will be issued.
Once you have obtained an SPID, you can use it to access all online services that require authentication through this system. For example, you can use your SPID to access the INPS portal, file your tax returns online or access services provided by the Revenue Agency.
It is important to emphasize that SPID is a secure and reliable system, as it uses advanced security protocols such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) to ensure data integrity and user privacy.
- Advantages:
- A single digital identity to access all online services
- Saves time in registering for online services
- A secure and reliable system
- Disadvantages:
- Not all online services are yet part of the SPID system
- The need to register with one of the accredited Identity Providers
- Possibility of losing SPID credentials
How to request an SPID
To request an SPID, you need to follow a few steps:
- Choose an Identity Provider (IDP): The Identity Provider is the entity that allows you to access online services with your SPID. You can choose from various IDPs listed on the official SPID website.
- Register on the chosen IDP's website: Once you have selected an IDP, you must register on its website by filling out a form with your personal information and providing a copy of your valid identification document. Additionally, you will need to create a username and password to access your account.
- Verify your personal data: After completing registration, the IDP will verify your personal data through the national identification system (SPID). You may be required to provide additional information or documents to confirm your identity.
- Activate your SPID: Once your personal data has been verified, you will receive an activation code that you must enter on the IDP's website to activate your SPID. At this point, you can use your SPID to access online services that support this form of authentication.
Remember that each Identity Provider has its own rules and activation times for the SPID.
SPID, so you may need to wait a few days before being able to use your SPID.In addition, it is important to always keep your SPID access credentials safe and not share them with anyone. In case of loss or theft of the credentials, it is possible to request the revocation of the SPID and its subsequent reactivation.
How to use SPID to access online services
After obtaining the SPID credentials, it is possible to use them to access a wide range of online services. Let's see how:
1. Choose the online service to use
First of all, it is necessary to choose the online service that you want to access using SPID. For example, it could be a government website for requesting documents or an e-commerce portal for making purchases.
2. Select the option for accessing with SPID
In most cases, websites that support access via SPID will have a button or link dedicated to accessing via SPID. Once you find the button, click on it to start the access process.
3. Enter your SPID credentials
After selecting the option for accessing with SPID, a page will appear where you can enter your SPID credentials. Then enter your username and password in the form provided by the website.
4. Confirm access
After entering your SPID credentials, you will need to confirm access to the website. This can be done by clicking a button or entering a code sent to your mobile device.
5. Use the online service
After confirming access, you will be able to use the online service as you would normally. For example, if accessing a government website for requesting documents, it will be possible to fill out and submit the online form.
- Remember that SPID credentials are personal and should not be shared with anyone.
- In case of problems with access via SPID, contact the support of the website or digital identity provider.
Advantages and disadvantages of using SPID
Advantages
SPID offers numerous advantages, including:
- Simplicity: SPID allows you to access online services in a simple and fast way, without having to create an account for each individual service.
- Safety: Thanks to data encryption, SPID guarantees a high level of security in accessing online services. In addition, two-factor authentication makes unauthorized access even more difficult.
- Time savings: By using SPID, you avoid the need to manually enter your personal data every time you access a new online service.
- Increased accessibility: SPID is available to all Italian citizens over 18 years old, including those with visual or hearing disabilities.
Disadvantages
However, there are also some disadvantages to using SPID, including:
- Complexity of the registration process: The SPID registration procedure can be complex for those who are not familiar with digital technologies.
- Need for a device enabled for digital signature: To register for SPID, it is necessary to have a device enabled for digital signature, such as a smart card or USB key.
- Compatibility issues: Some online services may not yet be compatible with SPID, requiring the use of other authentication systems.
In general, the disadvantages of using SPID are outweighed by the advantages it offers, especially in terms of security and time savings. However, it is important to carefully evaluate whether this authentication system is the best choice for one's personal needs.
Conclusion
SPID represents an important step forward in the digitization of public services in Italy. Thanks to this authentication system, citizens can access online services in a simple, fast and secure way. Although there are some disadvantages to using SPID, these are largely outweighed by the advantages it offers. For this reason, it is worth carefully evaluating whether registering for SPID can be useful for one's personal needs.
Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.
