What is Identity Verification?
Identity Verification is a crucial process within identity and access management (IAM) that ensures a person’s claimed identity is genuine. This process is fundamental for maintaining security, ensuring that only authorised individuals gain access to sensitive systems and data. Identity verification plays a pivotal role in protecting against identity fraud, unauthorised access, and other security threats.
In the context of IAM, identity verification typically occurs during the initial registration or onboarding of a user. This process involves confirming that the person is who they claim to be before granting them access to the organisation's resources. Various methods and technologies are employed to verify identities, ranging from traditional document checks to advanced biometric authentication.
Traditional methods of identity verification often include the presentation and validation of official documents, such as passports, driver’s licences, or government-issued IDs. These documents are inspected for authenticity, and their details are cross-referenced with authoritative databases. While effective, these methods can be time-consuming and susceptible to forgery if not rigorously checked.
Biometric verification uses unique physiological characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, or voice recognition, to verify identity. Biometric data is difficult to replicate, making it a highly secure method of authentication. During the verification process, biometric data provided by the user is compared with stored biometric templates to confirm identity. This method is increasingly popular due to its high accuracy and user convenience.
Knowledge-based verification involves asking users to provide information that only they would know, such as answers to security questions or details from their personal history. This method relies on the assumption that an impostor would not know these details. However, it can be less secure if the information is easily accessible or guessed.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhance identity verification by requiring additional verification steps beyond just a password. For example, a user might need to enter a one-time code sent to their mobile phone, use a hardware token, or provide a biometric sample. MFA significantly increases security by combining something the user knows (password), something they have (a mobile device), and something they are (biometric data).
Digital identity verification leverages technology to streamline and secure the verification process. This can include verifying email addresses, phone numbers, or social media accounts. For higher assurance levels, digital verification might involve checking against government or financial databases in real-time to confirm identity details.
Remote identity verification has become increasingly important, especially with the rise of remote work and online services. It involves verifying an individual’s identity without them being physically present. Techniques used include live video verification, where the user interacts with a verification agent via video call, or automated systems that analyse documents and biometric data submitted online.
Identity verification is not just a one-time event but an ongoing requirement. Continuous verification mechanisms can monitor user behaviour and detect anomalies that might indicate a compromised identity. For example, if a user suddenly logs in from an unusual location or device, the system can trigger additional verification steps to ensure the user’s identity.
