How do you protect yourself online? Typically, it starts with a strong digital identity.
You create a digital identity for every platform you access. On Facebook, for example, you create a password and may receive OTP one-time codes on your smartphone. Your provided details, therefore, become your digital identity.
In other words, effective cyber security relies on digital identity creation and protection. Unfortunately, not many users are familiar with the term “digital identity.”
To help users and businesses navigate the importance of digital identity, we created this guide to explain what it is, how it works, and ways users can create stronger identities online.
What Is Digital Identity?
Digital identity is the information that identifies you in digital ecosystems like applications, networks, on-premises systems, or cloud environments.
Therefore, systems first require you to create a digital identity. Then, when you need access (e.g., logging into an app), you must confirm your digital identity as a user or an individual.
Digital identity can be a variety of characteristics used by a computer to identify an external entity. This information includes usernames, passwords, search histories, dates of birth, government-issued IDs, and online purchases.
Each of the above can be classified as a digital identity example. Therefore, when you access a system, you must confirm your digital identity by entering the correct password or taking a selfie to cross-reference a government ID.
Digital identity may also be interchangeable with ‘digital entity,’ ‘identity,’ or ‘online identity’ depending on context.
Why does digital identity matter?
Every individual who uses a computer or accesses the internet has some form of digital identity.
It plays a crucial role today, with far-reaching consequences for our personal lives, businesses, and society. Some of the key benefits of digital identity include:
Security and fraud prevention: It is the main line of defense against online fraud, theft, and cybercrime. Keeping your online identity secure can prevent substantial personal, financial, or reputational damage.
Convenience: Using biometrics, fingerprint scans, facial/voice recognition, MFA (multi-factor authorization), or any other digital identifier allows users to access digital services seamlessly.
Greater Accessibility: It allows users to participate in businesses’ digital services, even from remote areas. Plus, it encourages government and organizations in sectors like finance, healthcare, and education to serve more people. This promotes social and economic equality.
Innovation and Growth: Digital identity drives the digital economy. It provides access to new and innovative services to make life easier and more connected.
Global Digital Identity: Users can use their online identity irrespective of region, industry, or technology platform. For example, using your bank details, you can book a flight anywhere from any website or app. It simplifies digital transactions and opens a world of digital experiences.
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Components of a Digital Identity
Certain data points help to create a user’s digital identity. These components make your digital footprint unique in the vast landscape of the internet. Some information used to create a “digital identity” includes:
Personal Data: Your personal information like your name, address, and birthdate, is what makes up your digital identity.
Online Identifiers: Another set of online attributes that help with digital identity verification are usernames, email addresses, IP addresses, passwords, etc.
Online Reputation: Your digital behavior, including social media posts, reviews, comments, and other online activities, has an impact on your online reputation.
Digital Assets: Your online identity includes photos, videos, and documents you share and store online.
Your one-of-a-kind global digital identity comprises all the above identifiers or characteristics.
For example, a person may share their name and date of birth with you. However, their digital assets, such as photos and government IDs, will be unique enough to establish a separate digital identity.
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How do you protect your digital identity?
Navigating within the modern digital landscape is becoming a challenge day by day. It has become easier for fraudsters and cybercriminals to break through or bypass digital identity security.
For example, a fraudster may implant a fake ID checker outside a storage facility for you to scan your ID.
Once done, he may replicate your ID with ID card scanner software to gain unauthorized access to the facility.
Here are some ways to protect your digital identity:
- Use strong and unique passwords. Weak passwords are the No. 1 cause of breaches. You can use a password manager to create and store strong passwords.
Alternatively, you can make your own by combining letters, symbols, and numbers. Make sure to change your password every month for extra security. Remember to update your password every 30 days for added security. - Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This uses two or more digital identity verification steps instead of one. For example, your bank website may ask for a password and then OTP for you to log in.
- Keep Your Software Updated. Update your software regularly to keep it secure. Old systems are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
- Be cautious when sharing personal information. Only share personal data on trusted platforms with end-to-end encryption. To maintain digital identity security, avoid filling out forms asking for personal information from a new website, app, etc.
- Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Make sure to use secure Wi-Fi networks at home. Hackers target vulnerable Wi-Fi systems to spread viruses and malware. It is important to regularly check the security of your network.
- Beware of Phishing Attacks: These attacks can deceive you into opening a file or clicking on a link in an email. Beware of such attempts, as they pose huge security risks to your digital identity.
- Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Monitor your bank, social media, and other accounts regularly. This will help protect your digital identity from unwanted activities.
- Secure Your Devices: To improve digital identity security, make sure your devices have reliable antivirus, firewall, and VPN software installed.
- Educate yourself about online security. Stay informed about online security to protect your digital identity. Be vigilant, recognize suspicious activities, and learn about different online threats.
- Be mindful of third-party apps and services. Third-party apps pose the most significant threat that leads to compromising identities.
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Digital Identity Use Cases
In today’s digital economy, consumers value convenience and fast access. Let’s discuss a few use cases of digital identity in various industries.
Financial Services: Banks and financial institutions can provide a digital-first experience by using secure systems. These systems prevent fraud, protect personal information, and ensure user privacy. They also allow for smooth local and international transactions.
Healthcare: Digital identity security can provide a framework for maintaining patient’s health records and complying with HIPAA. Digital ID also helps patients get e-prescriptions, virtual assistance, and more.
Government Services: Government institutions can use digital identity verification to quickly onboard citizens to issue national IDs, passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and other documents.
E-commerce and Retail: E-commerce and retail are important for shaping digital identity. They verify customers, make sure online transactions are secure, and provide personalized shopping experiences.
Education: Universities and colleges can use digital identity in education for various purposes. It helps verify students and staff, control access, issue certificates, provide secure access to resources, and store and share educational records.
Travel and Hospitality: Security is a significant concern within the travel and hospitality industries. Digital identity verification mitigates risks with automatic airport security, fast airline check-in, and hotel check-in.
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Wrapping Up:
Securing an online presence is crucial when navigating the modern digital landscape.
Understanding what digital identity is unlocks the principles of privacy, inclusivity, and user control.
Rapid digitization and interconnectivity demand that we explore and understand the need for digital identity verification and how digital identity security may help build a digital world that is secure and accessible to everyone.
