In line with the current trends of invading staff private phones [1], several colleagues have raised our attention to the fact that Ares requires the use of private devices for verification.
Generation 2004 has regularly shown concern regarding the expanding deployment of corporate IT solutions on personal devices [2]. The new ways of working make more and more frequent that staff check their corporate email, Teams or Webex meetings, authentication and even work calls in their private devices, particularly in Delegations [3].
Although private mobile phones may be used on a voluntary basis for 2-factor authentication, alternative corporate solutions have so far remained available, ensuring that staff are not required to rely on their personal devices.
However, the IT services of the Commission reply to colleagues who want to use Ares without a private mobile phone that “the integrated browser used by AresLook does not currently support the Trusted Platform verification method. … you must select the EU Login Mobile App”
This appears to make the use of a private mobile phone necessary to perform official tasks in Ares.
Generation 2004 has contacted DIGIT to clarify this issue that comes at a sensitive time, following the compliance concerns around the use of Signal groups for business continuity purposes [4], and in parallel with the ongoing social dialogue on urgent internal communication [1], including the provision of personal mobile numbers.
Have you experienced similar issues? Please do not hesitate to contact us [5].