Overview
ISO/IEC 24760-1:2019/Amd 1:2023 is an internationally recognized amendment to the ISO/IEC 24760-1:2019 standard, issued by ISO and IEC. It focuses on enhancing the framework for identity management within the domain of IT security and privacy. This amendment updates key terminology and concepts related to identity management, addressing evolving security requirements and technological innovations.
The standard is critical for organizations aiming to establish robust identity management systems that ensure secure, reliable authentication and authorization. It defines foundational terms such as authenticators, authentication factors, and access tokens, which are essential in safeguarding digital identities and controlling access to resources.
Key Topics
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Readily-verifiable Identifier
An identifier designed to be easily validated as belonging to a known entity, supporting efficient authentication processes.
Example: A digital signature derived from solving a cryptographic puzzle.
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Authoritative Identifier
A unique identifier issued by a trusted authority within a well-established domain, such as government-issued IDs, ensuring high trust in identity verification.
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Access Token
A trusted object encapsulating permissions that authorize a principal’s access to resources, often obtained after successful authentication. It can be either physical or virtual and may contain cryptographic information to verify its integrity.
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Authentication Factors
Four types are recognized to enhance authentication security:
- Cognition factor: What the principal knows (e.g., a password).
- Possession factor: What the principal holds (e.g., a security token).
- Inherent factor: Physical characteristics (e.g., fingerprint).
- Behaviour factor: Typical actions or patterns (e.g., typing rhythm).
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Multi-factor Authentication
Employs two or more authenticators from different authentication factors to increase security assurance.
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Authenticator
A secure device or software representing an entity in the authentication process, controlled by the principal. Examples include OTP generators, mobile authentication apps, and electronic identity cards.
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One-Time Password (OTP)
A single-use, randomly generated password for authentication, typically produced by an authenticator.
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Personal Secret
Exclusive knowledge to the principal, such as passwords or PINs, used for identity validation.
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Entity Authentication Assurance & Level of Assurance
These define the reliability and strength of confidence in identity assertions, guiding organizations in selecting appropriate authentication methods per risk level.
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Principal’s Personal Identity Management System (PPI)
An identity management system held under exclusive control by the principal, often implemented as a mobile identity or dedicated token.
Applications
ISO/IEC 24760-1:2019/Amd 1:2023 serves as a foundational reference for designing and implementing identity management solutions that prioritize IT security and privacy. Key application areas include:
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Enterprise Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Establishing reliable and standardized identity verification across corporate resources.
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Government Identity Programs
Supporting secure issuance and management of authoritative identifiers used in digital government services.
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Multi-factor Authentication Deployment
Enhancing user authentication security by integrating authenticators across various authentication factors.
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Digital Identity Wallets and Mobile Identity Solutions
Guiding the creation of personal identity management systems that empower users with control over their digital identities.
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Secure Access Control Systems
Implementing access tokens and assurance levels to fine-tune access privileges in cloud services, applications, and IoT devices.
Organizations benefit by aligning with this standard to improve interoperability, compliance with data protection regulations, and resilience against identity fraud.
Related Standards
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ISO/IEC 29146:2016
Provides guidelines on access control frameworks, referenced for defining access tokens in identity management.
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ISO/IEC 19790:2012
Details security requirements for cryptographic modules, informing multi-factor authentication concepts.
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ISO/IEC 29115:2013
Defines entity authentication assurance levels, crucial for interpreting assurance terms in identity management.
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ISO/IEC 24760 Series
The broader series addresses various aspects of identity management frameworks, offering comprehensive coverage.
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ISO/IEC 24760-3:2016
Offers examples and annexes on using authenticators for attribute-based credentials, related to authentication device management.
Conclusion
Implementing ISO/IEC 24760-1:2019/Amd 1:2023 helps organizations advance their identity management capabilities with up-to-date terminology and concepts critical for secure IT environments. By understanding and applying these definitions and principles, businesses and governments can strengthen privacy, trust, and control in digital identity ecosystems.
Keywords: ISO/IEC 24760-1 amendment, identity management framework, IT security, privacy, authentication factors, authenticators, access tokens, multi-factor authentication, digital identity, entity authentication assurance.