identity

Ininformation technology, an identity is a unique identification for a person, organization, hardware, software, or service. Such an identity comprises uniquely identifying characteristics.

ISO/ IEC defines an identity as a set of attributes that relate to an instance. A digital identity is the electronic representation of such an instance. This can be a person, organization or device. A digital identity is used to authenticate the user, who can interact with the Web and use it to perform tasksonline. Therefore, in the Internet of Things( IoT), device identity plays a crucial role.

In information technology, many sensitive applications are about identity proof. Only when a requester has provided proof of identity and authenticated himself will he be granted access to data, documents, devices and services. A well-known example of this is account access and the associated transactions, whether at an ATM or during home banking. Access to mobile devices or desktops is also only enabled after proof of identity.

There are various techniques for unique identity identification. The method most commonly used for personal proof of identity is the personal identification number( PIN). Another method is the electronic key. These and various other procedures are used to verify and uniquely secure personal identity. In addition, there is the hardware identity or device identity and the software identity. Hardware identity gives every machine and every device a unique, unmistakable identity. This is of central importance in the Internet of Things (IoT) and in Industry 4.0. In the case of software identity, the identification features protect the software from unauthorized duplication or from modified or obsolete versions.

To fraudulently exploit user access secured by identity features, there is identity theft, in which fraudsters tap the identity numbers of owners.