The Design and Use of Digital Identities

Research Areas: Assured Identity and Privacy,

Principal Investigator: Elisa Bertino; Mikhail Atallah; Eugene Spafford; Howard Sypher

Digital identity management (DIM) has emerged as a critical foundation for supporting successful interactions in today’s globally interconnected society. It is crucial not only for the conduct of business and government but also for a large and growing body of electronic or online social interactions. In its broadest sense, identity management encompasses definitions and life-cycle management for digital identities and profiles, and the environments for exchanging and validating such information, including anonymous and pseudonymous representations. The project addresses a wide variety of digital identity needs by developing required Flexible, Multiple and Dependable Digital Identity (FMDDI) technology, based on a sound underlying set of definitions and principles. The FMDDI technology developed in the project will support multiple forms of identity, including nyms, partial identities, and a variety of user properties, credentials, and roles. Relevant research trusts in the project include: identity schemes and representation formats; use of ontology and issues related to identity interoperability; anonymity, dependability, accountability, and forensic-friendly identification schemes; psychological and social aspects related to the use of digital identities.

Keywords: digital identity