Identity verification in cybersecurity is the process used to confirm that a user is who they claim to be, before granting them access to a system, application or data. Its goal is to ensure that only the right people can log in, perform actions or access sensitive information.
A user presents their identifying information, which is then compared against trusted data sources to confirm its authenticity.
Identity verification and authentication are at times used interchangeably, but they are two fundamentally different mechanisms.
Identity verification checks if a person’s claimed identity is real. This usually happens when someone first creates an account or signs up for a service. As part of the verification process, the person may be asked to upload a government issued ID, answer personal questions or provide other proof to confirm they are who they claim to be.
On the other hand, identity authentication happens after verification, every time someone tries to log in. It makes sure that the person trying to access the system is the same person who was verified earlier.
Let's use a simple analogy to make the difference clearer:
Identity verification is like showing your ID to open a bank account, whereas authentication is like entering your PIN each time you want to withdraw money from that account.
There are different ways to securely and accurately verify digital identities:
Here’s a breakdown of a typical, biometric-based online identity verification process:
Identity verification is used in several areas to prevent fraud, account takeovers and data breaches.
For example, here are common stages where it’s enabled:
Here are some industries and organizations where it’s especially important:
You’d need at least the following components to build a strong and secure identity verification system:
If identity verification is not done properly, it can open the door to serious security problems, such as:
Next, let’s explore some of the main advantages of having a strong identity verification system:
Only verified users can log in or access important data, which helps prevent unauthorized entry.
Strong identity checks help companies meet legal and industry requirements like GDPR or HIPAA.
When people know their data is being protected, they’re more likely to trust and use the service.
Fewer fake accounts and better verification checks mean lower chances of a malicious actor slipping through and stealing data.
Finally, here’s a checklist you can use to pick the right provider for secure and reliable identity verification:
Identity verification helps confirm that users are who they say they are before allowing them access to systems, data or services. When done properly, it reduces fraud, stops unauthorized access and builds trust between users and service providers.