The trio – Information, identity validation, and security – has been a significant focus for the integrity of organizations, governments, people, and currencies; hence the adage “Information is power”. This ancient saying has been overlooked and/or misinterpreted for quite a long time. Without sounding too scholarly or anything, the relationship between information and knowledge constitute definitions that are arguably facades to one another. Although knowledge is nothing without relevant information, the information in question needs to be credible and build up to intelligence that can equate to the said knowledge.
On that rationale, for information to be validated, it needs to be backed/approved by reputed sources. Unfortunately, there’s no designated SI unit that can really govern the measure of authenticity of all the details of an information. Every genre/niche has various sources, and although some can sync, not all are correlated, thus very tough to truly determine the authenticity of particular info.
That’s where the blockchain comes in place. Blockchain-based information security solutions are catching up and can solve the plague in information credibility. This article will help you understand the utilization of different approaches using blockchain technology for information and identity security.
Blockchain Uses in Information and Identity Security
In this digital age, information validity through traditional methods is inapplicable. Immutability, authenticity, and ownership of privacy face corruption. Blockchain technology embraces a technology that covers these sorts of loopholes in information and identity security.
The advantages of blockchain in these sectors include:
- Provenance and Transparency: Maintenance of a history of crucial documentation is available on a distributed ledger. Transparency, on the other hand, improves as security, proof of ownership, and authenticity is assured.
- Immutability: It is almost impossible to change information stored on a blockchain. Through cryptographic hash functions, every document will have a unique identification number. Hence, replication is not an option.
- Privacy: Traditional methods of data security expose sensitive information in case of a breach. Blockchain technology will facilitate the protection of personal data to the owner who possesses private keys to permit access.
- Decentralization: General identification data associated with a person or organization is available to the public who are in the blockchain. Since all nodes hold the data, it is valid as true whenever used. Through the validation process of any transaction on a blockchain, it is hard to perform fraudulent impersonation activities, as they would be noticeable.
Blockchain in Identity Management
Identity management can utilize two approaches while leveraging blockchain technology. These approaches work for government documents such as driver’s licenses, ID cards, birth certificates, and passports. They can also work for academic credentials and resumes.
Zero-Knowledge Proof
This approach consists of three role players, namely identity issuer, identity owner, and identity verifier. The owner provides their identity information to an identity issuer. After this, the owner saves their credentials in a personal wallet as proof in case an intermediary (identity verifier) requests the details during confirmations. Only the owner has access to private information about their credentials. The verifier will only attest to the validity of a presented identity by an owner. In turn, there is both credibility and privacy in the process. The wallet an owner stores information is the only one they can use to ensure the curbing of identity theft. If stolen, they have to begin the process anew.
Self-Sovereign Identity
This process eliminates the need for third parties. A user saves personal information on a digital wallet, and they control who, when, what is seen of the information. It is usable on different platforms, making it a reliable way for identity management. Since the owner has sole ownership of their information, they preserve their wallets’ security and privacy. This method reduces the need for bureaucracy involved in the zero-knowledge proof.
Blockchain in Digital Content Ownership
The integration of blockchain in digital content ownership covers various sections, such as social media data, photos, videos, music, articles, emails, and chats. Digital content is susceptible to cybercrimes and piracy, leading to illegal distribution of personal data. Blockchain helps internet-based data to be secure and have copyrights.
Decentralization of the general web and media platforms provides a safe platform for users who aim to conserve ownership and privacy of content. Thus, user data will have a cryptographic hash to ensure a permanent mark of the creator. Furthermore, tokenization of this data guarantees the users’ rewards from their content. Therefore, if another party wishes to attain the content, they will have to buy it from the owner. Besides, it will offer censorship-free platforms, less prone to cyber-attacks.
Blockchain in Medical Information Validation
The approach can target both staff and patients. A medical system registered on a blockchain can store information on the medical credentials of both parties. Since blockchains are a form of permanent storage of information, one can use it wherever they go.
First, a medical practitioner can have their resume stored and updated every time they move from one facility to another. The information is immutable; thus, it cannot be duplicated or faked. Patient records stored on the blockchain can also be easily accessible as they are safe – can not be misplaced or misinterpreted due to poor record handling. Overall, the process saves both patients and medical practitioners on costs, time, and complications that can arise from misconduct in traditional healthcare recordkeeping.
Conclusion
Information and identity security engulf a large scope in which blockchain technology holds the ability to revolutionize. Blockchain properties and its general working protocol protect users from several pain points held by traditional methods.
Targeting identity theft and counterfeits, blockchain inception in identity management, information validation, and ownership rights will prevent faking of the same ensuring credibility and security of many sectors.
These include voting systems, real estate, supply chain, education, businesses, and healthcare, to mention but a few. Financial and other monetary-related sectors can ascertain transactions discarding fraudulent activities and double-spending. Comprehensively, it is an advanced mechanism around proving that the truth is thoroughly true.