The FIDO Alliance has published a recap of its most recent Authenticate Virtual Summit. The online event took place on September 23, and focused on government applications of FIDO authentication technology.
In that regard, the various speakers pointed out that secure digital identities can streamline the identity verification process, which in turn makes it easier for civilians to gain access to important government services. For example, the National Health Service in the UK uses an NHS Login app to manage its healthcare scheme, while the IRS has introduced a new Secure Access Digital Identity platform to provide better assistance to people struggling with their taxes.
For its part, FIDO argues that vendors that offer FIDO-ready technology can help accelerate and support the digital transportation process for public agencies. The organization called attention to a recent Executive Order from President Biden that will force all US government agencies to implement multi-factor authentication protocols, and noted that private technology partners can help them meet those obligations ahead of the required deadline.
The Order itself is based on zero trust architecture, which states that organizations should not make any assumptions about users, and should instead ask for proof of identity every single time someone accesses an account. In doing so (and by using strong multi-factor authentication), they can help guard against credential stuffing, phishing, and other cyberattacks that take advantage of weak authenticators like passwords.
“It’s important to enable trust in the government ecosystem,” sand FIDO Alliance Executive Director and CMO Andrew Shikiar. “Ultimately, identity and authentication are core to deploy new services at scale, in a way that meets the requirements for government agencies, and for citizens alike.”
Biometrics and security keys are some of the strong authentication options available to government organizations. In the meantime, the FIDO Alliance will now turn its attention to its flagship Authenticate conference, which will kick off in person at the Motif hotel in Seattle on October 18.
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