Identity Based Eco-System
Identity Based Eco-System. The identity-based eco-system involves three basic components: the person who hold the identity, the party that creates and manages it, and the party that rely on the identity. This system requires collaboration between the public, private, and citizen sectors to create a value-added ecosystem, where all players can benefit. This article discusses each of these components in greater detail. We will look at Biometrics and Digital signatures and describe how they can be used to create a valuable identity-based ecosystem.
Digital signatures
Today, government agencies use digital signatures to sign all publications, budgets, legal guidance, and congressional bills. EU countries have adopted eIDAS. One of the largest uses of digital certificates is in the healthcare industry, where most medical records are now digital. This requires a way to assert an individual’s identity in a medical context. In the US, digital signatures are governed by HIPAA and ESIGN, while in Europe, GDPR, and national laws govern its use.
In addition to their ability to secure electronic transactions, digital signatures can also be used to verify identity. Many companies and individuals must verify that a loan recipient is who they say they are. The ability to use a digital signature is enabled by digital certificates, which require the signer to register with a certificate authority. By requiring these certificates, the signer can be assured that the identity he or she is providing is legitimate.
Bio metrics
The use of biometrics in an identity based eco-system requires careful planning. Prior to biometric installation, formal policy controls must be in place, ensuring that FIPs are applied and key rights are protected. Such governance processes should also consider the risks and evolving roles, responsibilities, and duties of those involved in the eco-system. A lack of such controls can result in regulatory havoc and gaps in protection.
The use of biometrics creates additional privacy and data protection risks, and the technology can be expensive. It also requires careful consideration for a broader population. For example, certain demographics are more vulnerable to FNMRs during biometric verification, or other issues that may affect the integrity of biometric data. Additionally, these technologies can be easily compromised by unauthorized people. As a result, ensuring their integrity is a top priority.
Transparency
A transparent identity-based eco-system will allow users to monitor mishandling of their identities. In addition to being a key component of a balanced identity-based eco-system, transparency complements fairness and supports a more comprehensive protection of the individual. Transparency will allow organizations to better meet the needs of users. This will improve the user experience, and ultimately, enhance public confidence in the integrity of identity data.
A Trust Framework defines the rights of participants in the Identity Ecosystem. It outlines the rules and procedures for ensuring the authenticity of identity data. It takes into account the level of risk that is associated with each transaction. Different Trust Frameworks can exist within the identity eco-system, and participants must align theirs with the overall Identity Ecosystem Framework. Here are some examples of trustmarks:
Reversibility
In 2001, the government adopted the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC). The NSTIC identified four elements that comprise an identity-based ecosystem: the ID service provider, attribute authority, inter-federation, and irreversibility. In practice, however, all four elements may not be present at the same time. In these cases, the government or the industry must adopt policies that address the needs of all stakeholders.
The concept of reversibility is also useful in understanding tradeoffs between ecosystem services. Normally, management decisions focus on providing an immediate commodity or service, without considering the longer-term impact of the trade offs among ecosystem services. However, this type of management is becoming increasingly difficult. In an identity-based eco-system, relying parties are the missing link. Reversibility is a critical component of an identity-based eco-system, and its management must consider the implications of such tradeoffs.
Governance
The governance model of an identity-based eco-system must be both inclusive and mutual. This structure should promote mutuality, and inclusion, as well as address the risks of command and control structures that exclude end users and enable some actors to exert undue dominance. The governance process should include the development of a policy framework that can guide changes in roles, responsibilities, and duties. As an example, a governance model for a new identity-based eco-system should be defined at the outset of development.
As part of the process of governance, it should include the development of standards and guidelines that will help ensure the fair use and protection of information. These standards should be developed in collaboration with standards development organizations worldwide. It is also imperative to have a governing body that engages with global standards development organizations to ensure that the ecosystem’s interoperability is maximized globally. The governing board should also be comprised of representatives of private sector companies and civil society.
