Verizon joins Criterion Systems to improve online identity security systems, funded by US federal grant
Summary
The NSTIC’s broader mission is to create an Internet-identity ecosystem that “improves the privacy, security and convenience of sensitive online transactions”, and constitutes part of the US Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In addition to Criterion, which received $1,977,732 in funding, The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), Daon, Inc., Resilient Network Systems, Inc. and University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development were all awarded cash to work on a range of projects. Verizon says it will use its Universal Identity Services platform to “prove a safer approach for Internet users.” The program will establish the feasibility of providing cost-effective and easy-to-use “trust elevation,” or validation efforts, for online credentials. “It is clear that the traditional method of using non-validated usernames and passwords for secure online access is no match for determined cybercriminals,” says Peter Tippett, vice president of Verizon Enterprise Solutions’ innovation incubator. Providing one set of credentials to log on to any website and conduct any type of online transaction will be a game-changer for Internet users.” The Criterion Systems-led team will work with a number of firms across the retail, financial services and health care sectors, as well as with government agencies, to test the program.