Identity verification is the process entities use to determine the authenticity of persons that access their services. Using specified identity documents such as those issued by the government like identity cards and in some cases social security numbers to company-issued documentation, the user can then gain access to the system.
In recent times, the ability to forge these documents and fake the user’s identity online has made security analysts and developers design stronger systems with multiple verification processes.
Working Principles
The working principle of identity verification includes checking the data the user provides with the information stored in the system. For services to be accessible, they must be similar in every way.
Making sure the correct data is stored in the system is the first step in preventing identity fraud. This is when the details of a user in the system are manipulated by a hidden individual to gain access to and use the system. It may include the use of fake IDs or hacked passwords that imitate legitimate users’ credentials.
Multiple authentication systems work to prevent identity theft by requiring multiple pieces of information that only a specified user can provide.
The verification process can include biometrics, password, and document verification to allow access. Getting hold of some of these options may be easy for hackers but the biometric identity of an individual is difficult to access.
Fingerprints are not easy to replicate and even iris recognition systems are difficult to break into. The time it takes for the validation process however is what discourages individuals from participating and the costs to the organization can discourage the implementation of such systems.
Online Verification
With most services moving to online systems after the pandemic, proving the identity of users also had to be done online. This becomes harder without the physical presence of the customer to legitimize the process.
Online identity verification had to be included in the system to prevent fraud. An individual’s digital identity had to be protected in multiple ways to prevent data from being accessed. Protecting the services being provided was also of high importance.
User onboarding was simpler for financial institutions when the user had to show up at the office facilities for their information to be recorded in the system. Online systems, however, had to be developed and made secure for user onboarding and data capture requirements.
Streamlining the system to reduce friction on user experience required better designing of the interface.
Allowing for redoing certain aspects or uploading documentation and images meant systems had to become simpler and more functional.
The validation process also needs to be fast-tracked. Checking the information from other valid sources should take less time to reduce the waiting period for new users so as not to lose them during onboarding.
Digital identity verification needs to take as short a time as possible and be as simple as visiting physical centers.
Objectives
Many systems require identity verification solutions to be developed and designed specifically for their systems. In some ways, the requirements would be similar, but each system would have its own application. Certain areas require the embedding of biometric authentication into the onboarding process and also later on for logging in after verification.
Other systems did not employ the use of biometric data. This meant that different systems developed their own solutions to the problem. Those with existing user information had an easier time since knowing your customer beforehand made it simpler to verify their identity and move the information to the new system.
The system also had to check similarities between the documents in the system and those being provided by the user. Cross-examining the pictures and the ID was necessary.
A system to eliminate the use of face masking software and verify the validity of the individual was also needed.
Importance
Identity verification services play a key role in ensuring certain data and information is protected at all times. Managing access to the system is important and only verified personnel could access such systems.
The verification process ensured access was granted to individuals according to their level in the system and all transactions were logged for compliance and security purposes.
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