An Intro to Microsoft Entra Verified ID
In today’s fast-paced digital world, our identities—both online and offline—are constantly at risk. With the proliferation of apps, services, and connected devices, safeguarding our personal information has become more critical than ever. Centralized systems that manage identity data can leave individuals vulnerable to breaches and identity theft. That’s why Microsoft has introduced Entra Verified ID, a Decentralized Identity (DID) solution aimed at empowering individuals to control their own digital identities.
The Need for Decentralized Identity
Currently, much of our identity data is controlled by third-party companies. Whether we’re purchasing tickets, logging into a website, or collaborating with others, the data we share is stored and managed by centralized authorities. These entities, often without our direct knowledge, control our digital identities, raising serious privacy and security concerns.
Decentralized Identity aims to address these issues by allowing users to generate and control their own identity data, reducing reliance on intermediaries. This means that users, rather than third-party companies, own and control the information they share. For businesses, adopting a decentralized system ensures safer and more private collaborations with customers and partners.
Open Standards for a Secure Future
Microsoft’s commitment to open standards plays a pivotal role in driving the decentralized identity movement. By collaborating with industry groups such as the Decentralized Identity Foundation (DIF) and W3C, Microsoft ensures that its solutions, including Entra Verified ID, are secure, scalable, and interoperable.
Key standards that Microsoft has implemented include:
- W3C Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)
- W3C Verifiable Credentials
- DIF Sidetree and Presentation Exchange
These standards allow for seamless interaction between decentralized identity systems, giving users more control over their information while enabling businesses to verify identity data securely.
What are Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)
Unlike traditional identity systems that rely on centralized identifiers like email addresses, Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) are user-generated and self-owned. These identifiers are globally unique and are not controlled by any one organization.
DIDs are critical for creating a system where users truly own their digital identities. They provide key features like immutability, resistance to censorship, and tamper-proof identity management. With Microsoft’s decentralized identity solution, DIDs are cryptographically signed, ensuring a high level of trust between all parties involved.
Dive into the world of Verifiable Credentials
In our daily lives, we use various forms of credentials—driver’s licenses, passports, and diplomas—to verify who we are and what we can do. Microsoft Entra Verified ID takes this concept to the digital realm, allowing users to present verifiable credentials that are cryptographically secure and decentralized.
Verifiable credentials are digital proof that the holder possesses specific qualifications or attributes, such as a degree or a certification. These credentials are issued by trusted entities, signed with DIDs, and can be presented to verify identity without compromising user privacy.
How Does Microsoft Entra Verified ID Work anyways?
Microsoft Entra Verified ID operates on a trust-based system built upon a foundation of decentralized technologies. Below are key components of this system:
- W3C Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) – Users create, own, and manage their own globally unique identifiers, independent of any organization.
- Trust System – DIDs are stored on an underlying network that functions as a trust system, ensuring that the identities are authentic and tamper-proof.
- Microsoft Authenticator App – A secure wallet that manages and stores DIDs and verifiable credentials for users.
- Microsoft Resolver – An API that resolves DIDs to retrieve information associated with them, such as public keys.
- Microsoft Entra Verified ID Service – A service that allows users to issue and verify verifiable credentials in a secure, decentralized manner.
Conclusion
As we move toward a more connected digital future, protecting our identity data is more important than ever. Microsoft Entra Verified ID, powered by open standards and decentralized technology, offers individuals and businesses a way to manage identity securely and privately. By putting control back into the hands of users, Microsoft is leading the way toward a safer, more trusted digital ecosystem.
Ratish Nair
Microsoft MVP 2010 – 2018
