Microsoft’s upcoming digital ID platform uses blockchain for increased privacy

Over the last year, Microsoft began exploring the use of blockchain technology to create new types of digital IDs for enhancing privacy, control, and security.

Microsoft’s plans involve creating a digital ID platform based on the blockchain technology that would allow users to control access to personal online data via an encrypted data hub.

A new model for digital identity

Ankur Patel, the product manager of Microsoft’s Identity Division, said that the world needs a new model for digital identity with increased security and privacy across both digital and physical worlds. According to him, users need a secure encrypted digital hub to store their ID data and control it effortlessly.

Microsoft joined the ID2020 alliance

The ID2020 alliance is a global partnership that is set to create an open-source, blockchain-based digital Id system for U.S. users and also for nations that are lacking legal documentation due to their social and economic status.

The ID2020 alliance is targeted at people who are currently lacking fundamental rights and services including healthcare, voting, housing, and education. Microsoft explained what it had learned from its partnership with ID2020 and from its own exploration of the blockchain technology.

The company’s main wish is to use its existing cloud-based Microsoft Authenticator app because this already enables multi-factor authentication for business and consumer users as well. Microsoft also wants to works with other companies, and it plans on releasing more data about the progress of proof on the concept with Microsoft Authenticator shortly.

• ALSO READ: This firewall can block facial recognition protecting your privacy

Microsoft Authenticator will act as your User Agent

According to Patel, the Microsoft Authenticator app is used by millions of people for proving identity, and the next step will be experimenting with Decentralized Identities. This will be done by adding support for them into the app. This way, Microsoft Authenticator app will be able to act as your User Agent that will successfully manage identity data and cryptographic keys.

Microsoft is targeting an extended audience, but at the same time, the blockchain use for increased authentication and security is not new to other companies, and they are using this already as an ID aggregator.

RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

• In the age of no privacy, scam VPN services are on the loose
• Fix: Windows Security pop-up in Windows 10
• 5 best network security antivirus to use for your business in 2018
• The 15 best firewall devices to protect your home network