Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) is a system architecture guiding tech choices, not a software or service. It prioritizes the individual, allowing them to control their own information. Blockchain technology, as a decentralized database with data spread across nodes, seems a fit for SSI as it ensures accuracy and security. However, it has limitations like being computationally expensive and complex. Various alternatives like Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and OpenID for Verifiable Credentials exist. SSI is about control over digital identities, which is not solely dependent on blockchain technology.
Federated Identity and SSI – YMMV
The blog post discusses Federated Identity and Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), comparing the two architectures. Functionally, there's a lot in common. Technically, not so much. Read on to learn more!
Standards, Browsers, and Identity Wallets
The W3C is becoming more involved in the digital identity credential and wallet space due to the growing use of web browsers for various digital activities. This involvement includes addressing how browsers interact with identity wallets. An incubation effort is taking place within the Web Incubator Community Group (WICG) to investigate these issues and establish standards.
Comparing Federated Logins and Passkeys: Which One Fits Your Needs?
(Spoiler Alert: the answer might be “both”!) This is a slightly technical article trying to capture how two different types of authentication mechanisms, federated login and passkeys, compare. Despite how similar they might look to the user because of the design of the login page, they are ultimately quite different things! When websites require you… Continue reading Comparing Federated Logins and Passkeys: Which One Fits Your Needs?
Authorization – the Next Big Thing
Authorization is growing as the next big thing. I want to understand why, and writing about it is how I get there from here.
Hosting a Successful Meeting
Hosting a successful meeting requires preparation, good facilitation, time to absorb material, and a clear post-meeting report.
How to Stay Organized: Tips for Entrepreneurs, Freelancers, and Consultants
Time for Heather's favorite tips to staying organized in a busy freelancing world.
Communication as a Critical Business Skill
There is more to communication than just the correct use of words, phrases, and clauses. Let's look at some of the communication skills that don't get enough attention.
Navigating the Intersection of Privacy Laws and Technical Standards
For the last three months, I've been working on a white paper, "Government-issued Credentials and the Privacy Landscape." This paper aims to inspire thought and provoke useful conversations about enhancing online privacy between people setting privacy laws and regulations and people writing technical standards. The paper is still a Work In Progress, though realistically speaking,… Continue reading Navigating the Intersection of Privacy Laws and Technical Standards
NIST 800-63-4 and Equity
The technology that supports digital identity is like magic. A quick scan of your face and you can open your phone or get on a plane. But what happens when the promise of technology falls short for significant segments of the population? This is top of mind because of the newly proposed NIST 800-63 rev 4… Continue reading NIST 800-63-4 and Equity