Authored By Lakmi Nanayakkara, Information Security Engineer of N-able Private Limited
Have you ever wondered how the future of digital identity might affect everything – from online shopping to personal security? In a world where your digital identity is as important as your physical one, how will technology shape the way we present ourselves online in the future?
What is a Digital Identity?
A digital identity is a profile or set of information tied to a particular user, machine or another entity in an IT eco-system. These digital IDs help computer systems distinguish between different users for access control, activity tracking, fraud detection and cyberattack prevention.
Digital identities are not only for people but also for devices, services and other digital entities. Digital IDs associated with people include age, driver’s license, National Identity Card, Usernames and Passwords or biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition scans. This information compiled into digital IDs enables people to access digital resources, such as logging in to a bank account online or retrieving sensitive assets on a corporate network. Non-human identities such as bots, Internet of Things Nodes, Computers and other devices identify themselves with IP addresses, MAC addresses, certificates or tokens that distinguish them uniquely.
The birth of digital IDs dates back to the 1960s when the world-renowned Computer Scientist, Fernando Corbató, invented the first password. Corbató, after joining MIT’s Computation Center, built the Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS) as part of the Project Mac funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 1961. Because each CTSS user needed private access to the system, it became necessary to devise a method to differentiate between users. The easiest solution was to give each user a unique password that the CTSS could compare against a master password file. Thus, the first use of passwords came into place with CTSS.
The digital ID, beginning with passwords, has continuously evolved with the increased use of passwordless authentication, which adopted other methods such as PIN and biometric authentication. Simultaneously, more businesses and personal tasks have migrated online, with more people using their digital identities several times a day to do everything from buying groceries and paying bills to sharing vacation photos on social media and receiving virtual telehealth care.
Now, let us embark on a journey to explore some groundbreaking advancements that are set to redefine the future of digital identities.
Biometrics and Multi Factor Authentication: As rapid advancements set higher standards for security, trust and privacy, digital IDs are adapting to meet these demands. The use of biometric recognition as an authentication mechanism for almost all online applications is widely seen today, which will continue to evolve in the future. It will become the cornerstone of remote verification with new forms of authentication technologies such as retina recognition, voice verification, and biometric signatures in the coming years. Additionally, keystroke-based authentication, which analyses typing patterns, and gait recognition, which identifies individuals by their walking style, could become common solutions. Additional layers of security, such as liveness detection and more sophisticated algorithms to differentiate between a live user and an AI-generated simulation, will be integrated into existing biometric solutions to ensure that biometrics remain a fundamental tool in the fight against fraud and identity theft.
Decentralized Identity Verification: The rise of decentralized identity verification puts individuals in charge of their own data, skipping centralized servers. Blockchain enables the creation of decentralized digital identities where users control their own data without relying on centralized platforms. This eliminates the need for trusted third parties like social networks or government databases to manage identities, ensuring only authorised users can access their digital wallets or credentials, and even if decentralized credentials are compromised, biometric layers act as an impenetrable shield.
Digital Identity and Government: The days of physical NICs, driving licenses and passports are fading, with many governments globally moving towards creating digital identity systems for their citizens linking to various services like voting, healthcare, and access to social security, simplifying citizen access to government resources. For example, countries like India and Estonia have already made transitions in implementing digital IDs for their citizens.
Digital Wallets: Digital wallets are another trend that marks the future of digital identity, which allows users to share their information securely without exposing sensitive data. These wallets are often backed by blockchain technology and can store credentials, certificates, and even cryptocurrency assets.
In conclusion, as we stand on the precipice of a digital revolution, the future of digital identities holds immense potential. It offers the promise of enhanced security, seamless interactions, and personalized experiences. However, it also brings forth challenges that we must address with vigilance and innovation. As individuals, organizations, and
policymakers, we must collaborate to create a digital identity ecosystem that respects privacy, fosters trust, and empowers users. By embracing these principles, we can pave the way for a future where digital identities are not only secure but also a force for good in our increasingly interconnected world.
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