Most of us have dozens of digital identities to keep track of. When we open a new bank account, or create a new profile, we’re essentially creating a new digital ID.
As our online presence grows, so does the need to implement strong security measures. This is especially true for businesses and their customers. Strong security measures are often the last line of defense against cyber threats and fraud.
What are the best online identity verification methods?.
There are numerous options available for businesses. Ultimately, the best ID verification methods tend to depend on your business needs, the type of IDs you verify, and your company’s potential risks.
Online Identity Verification Methods
Identity verification for online activities provides a variety of online transactions.
Unauthorized access and fraud put online shopping transactions, bank accounts, and general information at risk. The key to resolving this issue is identity verification, which ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information and carry out transactions.
Complying with strict regulations regarding customer data and privacy is a major responsibility for most businesses. To comply with these regulations and prevent legal repercussions, implementing a strong identity verification process is essential.
Having a method in place is not just important for safeguarding your business but also for solidifying its reputation as a reliable and secure one. This instills confidence in customers to trust you with their sensitive information.
To guarantee the success of your business, there are many types of identity verification that should be considered:
Document-based verification
This online identity verification method is straightforward: It consists of verifying the authenticity and validity of documents to confirm an individual’s identity.
These types of documents include passports, driver’s licenses, and national IDs.
Various aspects of a document are examined to ensure it has not been forged, altered, or tampered with.
Key information from the document, such as the individual in question’s name, address, and date of birth, is examined. Other features investigated include holograms and watermarks.
Biometric verification
Biometric verification relies on a person’s unique biological characteristics to confirm their identity. It provides users with greater security and convenience and is quickly replacing the need to depend on passwords.
Various techniques are used in the process of biometric verification:
Fingerprint recognition
This is a technique that involves placing a finger on a scanner to identify or verify an individual’s identity. The fingerprint is digitally captured, and advanced algorithms are used to analyze the unique ridge and valley patterns.
Facial recognition
This method entails identifying and verifying an individual’s identity based on an image or video.
Algorithms analyze the face, identifying its distinctive features such as lip and nose shape. This information is then cross-referenced with a database of known faces.
Voice recognition
Voice recognition is a process that confirms one’s identity using their distinct vocal characteristics. Advanced algorithms analyze factors such as pitch, rhythm, tone, and pronunciation to identify an individual’s unique voice.
Behavioral biometrics
This method consists of picking up on the unique patterns of human behavior to identify and verify an individual. The focus is on the behavioral traits that are unique to that particular person.
Key traits analyzed include the rhythm of clicks on a keyword and the speed of scrolling using a mouse.
Biometrics in daily life
Biometrics now play a central role in our daily lives, offering a fast and hassle-free method of verifying our identities.
We use the unique patterns on our fingerprints or facial recognition to securely access our smartphones and tablets.
Voice recognition allows us to effortlessly operate lights, play music, and even open garbage bins.
Facial recognition can even deliver a personalized experience for shoppers. Through digital signage, customers can receive customized recommendations and exclusive offers based on their identity and preferences. This, in turn, elevates the customer experience.
Security features of biometrics
Biometrics enhance online security by providing an advanced and superior alternative to traditional password systems.
Standout security features include:
Liveness detection
Advanced algorithms can distinguish between genuine individuals and artificial biometric representations. They reduce the chances of fraudulent activities. Live detection works as an additional safeguard for identity verification.
Distinctness
Biometrics rely on physical and behavioral characteristics, like fingerprints, voice patterns, and facial features, that belong to a specific individual. This significantly reduces the possibility of fake matches, as it would be extremely difficult to replicate these traits.
Extra layer of protection
Biometrics can be combined with other authentication methods, like PINs, to create a multi-factor authentication system. Since multiple factors are required for verification, criminals are less likely to get access to sensitive information.
Biometrics, when combined with PINs, for instance, can form a powerful multi-factor authentication system. By requiring multiple factors for verification, this approach prevents criminals from gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information. This stronger security measure offers better protection against potential threats.
Knowledge-based authentication (KBA)
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) involves using an individual’s personal knowledge to verify their identity. Oftentimes, they are asked to answer at least one question that only they would know the answer to. This eliminates the need for passwords or PINs when accessing a specific platform.
Typical scenarios in which a security question would be asked are getting access to online medical records, logging into a banking account, or when a user forgets their password.
Here are some common questions individuals might be asked:
- What is the city you were born in?
- What is the name of your first pet?
- What is your childhood best friend’s name?
This online identity verification method stands out as it requires users to answer questions specific to their personal lives and histories. The answers to these questions are unlikely to be found online or easily guessed. The likelihood of a criminal guessing details such as the user’s childhood cat’s name or their middle school friend is extremely low.
How KBA differs from other authentication methods
KBA is a highly personalized approach to security. Unlike traditional methods like passwords or PINs, which can be easily shared or compromised, KBA asks questions tailored to the individual.
Furthermore, KBA is especially beneficial for individuals who are unable to physically interact with devices or undergo biometric scans, as it allows for seamless remote authentication.
Blockchain-based identity verification
The blockchain is a groundbreaking method for securely storing and verifying information, especially for identity verification purposes.
Unlike traditional databases controlled by a single entity, the blockchain is decentralized across a network of computers called nodes. This decentralization makes it extremely difficult for hackers to tamper with or breach the system. Any changes made would have to be replicated across all nodes simultaneously, a nearly impossible task.
The use of robust encryption ensures that data within each block is protected and kept confidential. Before being added to the chain, the data of each block is encrypted, guaranteeing its integrity.
With the blockchain, the risks associated with centralized control of identity data are minimized. The potential for data breaches and single points of failure is significantly reduced.
Once identity data is added to the blockchain, it becomes tamper-proof.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Identity Verification
Artificial intelligence has brought a groundbreaking transformation to online customer identity verification, revolutionizing its security measures. By incorporating machine learning and automated processes, AI offers a reliable verification system that eliminates the need for human intervention.
With its advanced algorithms, AI conducts real-time analysis and verifies identities within seconds, leading to a more streamlined process and an enhanced user experience. Additionally, it provides an extra layer of security by detecting forgeries, inconsistencies in identity documents, spoofing attempts, and predicting fraudulent activity.
Conclusion
Verifying online identities is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and security of our digital world. From traditional methods like passwords and security questions to more advanced techniques like biometric verification, there are various options available for businesses to choose from.
As we continue to rely heavily on the internet for our daily activities, it becomes increasingly important to understand and implement efficient identity verification measures. By taking proactive steps towards securing our online identities, we can not only protect ourselves but also contribute towards creating a safer virtual environment for all users.
With the ever-changing landscape of technology, it is important to stay informed and updated on the latest developments in identity verification methods.
If you want to discover more about FTx Identity and how it can benefit your business, contact us today to arrange a consultation and witness a demo!