What is Identity Proofing?

In today’s digital market, in-person identity proofing is growing in importance. With the rise of online duplicity, identity theft, and other attacks, corporate cybersecurity is being compromised. Identity proofing, also known as identity authentication/verification, implies that one needs to confirm the identity of each individual trying to gain access. This has become more critical than ever. Identity proofing, in addition, guarantees that fraudulent users are prevented from gaining access to sensitive information. In other words, the right people get access, malicious actors stay out.

What is the Necessity of Identity Proofing?

In few cases, an authorized individual must be physically present to open or gain access to a system. In most other cases, online businesses simply have to be ‘guaranteed’ that the individual attempting to get to an account is the same individual that set up the account within. For example, a bank or online manager may have to approve an individual’s real-world character before opening an account or issuing a paycheck. In this case, they may ask for proof of identity as well as irrefutable personal information like an address, phone number and social security number.

Of course, it is possible that a person can utilize someone’s stolen records. In other cases, the proof of identity can be provided without the genuine proprietor. To combat this, numerous online businesses require clients to yield a selfie of themselves holding an ID or the snapshot of the ID itself. One downside to this, in any case, is that nearly anybody with mediocre photoshopping abilities can superimpose a picture in their possession onto the ID and print it out. What would not pass an in-person inspection can all-too-easily pass an internet assessment. This is why we need to build resilient cybersecurity systems and where in-person proofing comes into picture.

How Does Identity Proofing Work?

For the most part, there are two ways for proofing an identity: in-person or online through an organized session. Users carry out in-person identity proofing when they are required to display themselves and their documentation to a specific individual. With the absence of remote identity techniques, in-person proofing pertains to high-risk exchanges such as obtaining a government-issued credential or applying for extensive money related processes. Therefore, in-person identity proofing is considered the higher standard proofing. However, there are several components which influence its efficacy, such as:

  1. Using proprietary devices to automate validation and verify documents.
  2. Accessibility of counterfeit documents to attackers
  3. Understanding and recognizing numerous substantial documents issued by Jurisdictional elements
  4. Educating the person verifying the evidence of identity proofing

 

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