The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments and organizations to reconsider their approach to identity and access management
The world continues to experience significant technological changes which have made it easier to complete tasks and enhance productivity. Once upon a time, mobile phones were used to make calls, send text messages, and do calculations. Then they became Internet-connected devices, cameras, email tools, maps, and much more. Now, they have become mobile wallets, a way to store debit, credit, gift cards, and ID cards so that purchases and other transactions can be made using only a mobile device instead of a physical card.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments and organizations to reconsider their approach to identity and access management.
Mobile wallets and mobile payment applications have become more common during this pandemic. They offer users complete control over their data and avoid the risk of contagion by contact. But while Mobile ID Wallets can bring benefits and facilitate transactions to companies and users but at the same time it comes with intrinsic security risks.
In this article, we will learn about mobile ID wallets, the advantages and challenges that arise from their use and why having the right security is critical for its use.
How does a Mobile ID Wallet work?
A digital or mobile wallet is a system that stores users’ payment information and passwords to be able to access and complete different payment methods securely. The communication protocol that is behind this type of payment is called near-field communications (NFC) technology which allows users to easily purchase using a mobile wallet even if they have extensive and complicated passwords. The system safeguards this information for customers to be able proceed with payments quickly and efficiently without having to remember the passwords.
A Mobile Identity Wallet is essential to let users manage, store, and secure identity keys stored in the digital wallet. These can perform different tasks, such as making transactions, filing claims and documents, signing documents, and verifying credentials. In most scenarios, a mobile identification wallet would be issued and seen by organizations and government entities to identify users’ online and offline activities.
Mobile ID wallets may have personal attributes, such as social security number (SSN), name, date of birth, place, citizenship details, biometrics, and more, depending on laws and regulations. It has become easier to prove your identification, access services, and share personal data using mobile ID wallets. Moreover, it provides users the freedom to decide how to use and share their personal information. Above all, a mobile ID wallet gives privacy, and it is a powerful tool to enhance productivity and overcome fraud.
Digital Wallets and Mobile Payments
Mobile payments entitled by mobile wallet helps customers pay for their purchases with a single click. It helps build a relationship with customers, increases user satisfaction for speed and efficiency, and drives your business effectively. Moreover, it enables businesses to engage better with their clients.
It’s a win-win scenario. Users can get benefits from prompt and secure transactions, and enterprises can enhance their trust, loyalty and measure accurately and precisely what looks better for their users.
Identity Verification in Mobile Wallets
Identity verification is a robust technique that provides better security to both organizations and individuals. It brings remarkable levels of convenience when it comes to authorization, authentication, and online identity verification. Moreover, it also provides an additional level of security by implementing advanced security measures, such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and biometric characteristics.
From an operational and financial point of view, digital identity gives a high-level ROI for the government by reducing administrative costs and expenses associated with preventing abuse and fraud, physical ID documents, and forgotten passwords.