Identity Management Is Key to Zero-Trust Architecture
Securing a network is easier said than done, but an excellent way to start is by focusing on one key aspect of security and zero-trust architecture: identity.
Rather than try to secure a porous network perimeter, agencies should embrace the idea of a centralized identity management platform for individuals, which could help give citizens control over their identity information and significantly reduce the possibility of cyberattacks targeting stolen credentials.
For example, today when people renew their driver’s licenses or apply for government programs such as unemployment benefits or Medicaid, they must fill out multiple electronic forms where they enter personal information and credentials, allowing attackers multiple access opportunities.
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A single digital identity, on the other hand, could reduce the number of times citizens are required to input personal information, and especially sensitive personal information, by providing them with an easy-to-use portal to manage their data across government services. Instead of entering personal information for each interaction with the government, citizens could leverage their existing digital identities, which helps improve their user experience while shrinking an agency’s overall attack surface.
A single, citizen-facing platform streamlines user information in one system, reducing friction for citizens dealing with several government entities. Citizens may no longer have to verify their identities for the department of motor vehicles to request a license and again for their local government to apply for social service programs. Citizens could be validated once, then have their credentials input into one identity solution that enables instant and safe access to hundreds of state and local services.
Identity Management Can Enable Interstate Data Sharing
Ideally, such a solution could be used across state lines, eliminating the confusion of identity between states and providing easily accessible and uniform information anywhere. These capabilities are especially valuable to local governments, which tend to have complex rules for interactions with citizens.
While working toward implementing a digital identity solution across state and local governments will take time, they can move closer to that goal by taking steps such as implementing phishing-resistant multifactor authentication and single sign-on solutions to secure networks. These solutions, which allow agencies to grant or deny an individual access to information based on a series of rules, position state and local agencies to harness the power of digital identity platforms now and into the future.
These capabilities create a smooth and secure user experience, helping to build trust with citizens and enabling states to focus on what truly matters — the protection and support of their citizens.
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