NationalStrategyForTrustedIdentitiesInCyberspace
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US to start testing universal online verification system to combat fraud (updated)
In 2011, the government started concocting a plan to issue Americans one online ID they can use create a unified online authentication system that'll work across multiple agencies' websites -- sort of like an OpenID for the government. Now, that plan's wheels are turning, and pilot testing's slated to begin this May in Pennsylvania and Michigan. The initiative, called National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC), was originally devised as a means to prevent fraud and make it easier to verify identities online quickly. These new tests only involve websites for those applying for government assistance, as they're merely meant to evaluate whether such a verification plan is feasible. But the government hopes this program can replace secure people's logins for various places on the internet in the future. Of course, not everyone will be thrilled by this development; after all, we're now very much aware of the NSA's love for snooping, so we understand if folks aren't keen to trust Uncle Sam's involvement with their online security. If you're one of those people, then cross your fingers and hope that NSTIC's stays voluntary, like what the government promised during the project's inception. Update: This post as originally written mischaracterized the NSTIC as a plan to create a universal online ID, instead of an online identity verification system. [Thanks, Mary]
White House unveils national strategy for secure internet IDs
This one's been in the works for some time now, but the White House has just today officially unveiled its plans for a national secure internet ID program -- or as it has dubbed it, the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC). As expected, that will be entirely voluntary and largely driven by various private sector companies, who will be responsible for verifying your ID and providing you with secure credentials that you'll be able to use across the internet -- the credentials themselves could simply be a secure application, or something like smart card or SecurID token. The administration is also quick to point out that the system is not a national ID program of any sort, and it's going to some length to play up the involvement of multiple credential providers, with Commerce Secretary Gary Locke saying that "having a single issuer of identities creates unacceptable privacy and civil liberties issues." Hit up the source link below for all of the finer details, or head on past the break for a quick video explanation.
Obama administration moves forward with unique internet ID for Americans, Commerce Department to head system up
President Obama has signaled that he will give the United States Commerce Department the authority over a proposed national cybersecurity measure that would involve giving each American a unique online identity. Other candidates mentioned previously to head up the new system have included the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security, but the announcement that the Commerce Department will take the job should please groups that have raised concerns over security agencies doing double duty in police and intelligence work. So anyway, what about this unique ID we'll all be getting? Well, though details are still pretty scant, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, speaking at an event at the Stanford Institute, stressed that the new system would not be akin to a national ID card, or a government controlled system, but that it would enhance security and reduce the need for people to memorize dozens of passwords online. Sorry, Locke, sounds like a national ID system to us. Anyway, the Obama administration is currently drafting what it's dubbed the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace, which is expected at the Department of Commerce in a few months. We'll keep you posted if anything terrifying or cool happens. Update: For clarity's sake, we should note that the proposed unique ID system will be opt in only, not a mandatory program for all citizens.
