In this digital age, the accurate identification of individuals is paramount to ensuring security, privacy, and trust in online interactions. Whether it’s for accessing medical records, applying for benefits, or engaging in other high-stakes transactions, the need to confirm the identity and attributes of individuals is crucial. The draft NIST report Attribute Validation Services for Identity Management delves into the architecture, security, privacy, and operational considerations surrounding Attribute Validation Services (AVS), offering considerations for government agencies seeking to implement these critical services.
At its core, an attribute is a “quality or characteristic ascribed to someone or something,” such as a person’s date of birth, residential address, or Social Security Number. Attributes are essential in confirming an individual’s identity or their eligibility to access certain services or information. An AVS validates these attributes against reliable data sources to confirm their accuracy; this validation process plays a pivotal role in secure identity proofing, access control, and fraud prevention.
The draft NIST report Attribute Validation Services for Identity Management positions AVS as a cornerstone of secure, privacy-preserving digital identity management. Whether through traditional query-based models or emerging technology such as cryptographically verifiable attributes, AVSs can offer a reliable way to validate user attributes, reduce fraud, and improve access control. For government agencies, the report provides a foundation for building AVS solutions that enhance security while ensuring equity and privacy.
The public comment period is open through 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Friday, November 8, 2024. Comments may be submitted to digital_identity@nist.gov.