With the increasing threat of cyberattacks and identity theft, the need for a robust and reliable digital identity verification system has become more pressing than ever.
Digital identity verification has become an increasingly important topic in recent years, particularly in the government sector. With the rise of online services and the need to protect sensitive information, it is critical for governments to have robust systems in place for verifying the identities of their citizens and employees.
In 2017, then President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish a framework for a more secure and reliable digital identity verification system. The order, titled "Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure," recognizes the critical importance of digital identity verification in government operations and calls for the development of a unified, secure, and interoperable identity management ecosystem.
More recently, the importance of digital identity verification in government has been underscored by President Biden with a 2021 Executive Order, which calls for improved identity verification processes pertaining to citizen service delivery.
The Executive Order directs the heads of federal agencies to take several steps to improve digital identity verification processes. These steps include:
Establishing a coordinated approach to identity verification: The Executive Order calls for the creation of a coordinated approach to digital identity verification across the federal government. This will involve the development of common standards and best practices to ensure that all agencies are using the most effective and secure methods for verifying the identities of citizens and employees.
Enhancing identity proofing and vetting: The Executive Order also calls for the enhancement of identity proofing and vetting processes. This includes improving the accuracy and reliability of identity documents, as well as conducting more thorough background checks to prevent individuals with criminal records or other red flags from accessing sensitive information.
Improving authentication and authorization: In addition, the Executive Order calls for the implementation of stronger authentication and authorization processes. This includes the use of multi-factor authentication and other advanced technologies to ensure that only authorized individuals are able to access sensitive government systems and data.
The importance of these measures cannot be overstated as the benefits of a robust digital identity verification system in government are numerous. First and foremost, it can help prevent fraud, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime. By verifying the identity of individuals and entities, government agencies can ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information and government services.
A reliable digital identity verification system can also streamline government operations and make it easier for citizens to access government services. For example, with a single digital identity, individuals can apply for passports, file tax returns, and access social security benefits, among other things. This can reduce bureaucracy and make government services more efficient.
Moreover, a secure and interoperable identity management ecosystem can promote trust between citizens and government agencies. By providing a seamless and secure way for individuals to prove their identity across different government platforms, citizens can have confidence that their personal information is protected and that government services are delivered securely and reliably.
It is imperative that government agencies take this issue seriously and take steps to implement robust and effective digital identity verification systems. One vendor leading the charge and supporting government agencies with best-of-breed technology is Socure.
Using Socure, public sector agencies don’t have to choose between identifying fraud or providing a great user experience. As Congress and state legislatures reconvene to examine both how to assess previous fraud losses and build more robust solutions for the future, oversight bodies should require agencies that use external identity proofing providers to publish statistics on effectiveness to drive further maturation in the market.
Socure provides public sector organizations with innovative, market leading technology capabilities that enable higher approval rates, capture more fraud, and provide a better user experience. It’s high time we demand all providers document performance and increase transparency so policymakers and citizens can understand what’s happening to stop fraud and increase efficiency in vital government programs.
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