Digital ID ‘Shared Signals Pilot’ Launched to Tackle Evolving Fraud Risks

The use of shared signals is widely supported as a way to improve verification processes, reduce fraud and build trust in digital identities. It is also highly likely to be a requisite for certification under the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (UKDIATF).

However, the use of shared signals also raises legitimate concerns – most notably in terms of privacy, data protection, and the need for a standardised framework for sharing and using shared signals.

“Our aim with this initiative, explains Synectics’ Head of Solutions Chris Lewis, “is to demonstrate that these concerns can be addressed, allowing certified Identity Service Providers to confidently leverage the significant benefits of shared signals to fight fraud in an increasingly digital era. Protecting their customers and ultimately the general public.

“To do this, we’re blending the real-time awareness benefits associated with a fraud signals framework, with the longer-term fraud prevention implications of a shared threat intelligence platform where data persists beyond the immediate threat.”

How the project will work.

Focussing initially on test data relating to the use of fake and/or fraudulently obtained genuine documents, Phase 1 of Project Shield will see a dedicated shared signals pathway created using Synectics’ National SIRA platform.

The pathway will test Yoti and Mitek’s ability to create, send, and subscribe to receive specific signals to/from each other, using a real-time API and asynchronous alert system already successfully utilised by banks subscribing to National SIRA.

John Abbott, Chief Commercial Officer at Yoti comments: “While this is a relatively simple test scenario, it will potentially show how collaboration between Identity Service Providers can create a cohesive, shared framework which can identify and prevent fraud. We’re pleased to be part of this important project and play our part in protecting individuals from the growing risks of fraud.”

Chris Briggs, Sr. Vice President of Identity at Mitek adds: “At Mitek, we’re fully committed to advancing solutions that fight fraud and the many forms it can take. We also realize that in an increasingly digital world, the ability to prevent the spread of fraud across a Digital ID ecosystem will require cooperation and communication across identity service providers. That’s why we’re excited to help Synectics pioneer a solution that would support the many relying parties who use our services in their efforts to tackle financial crime and improve the customer experiences they offer. We know this will also be good news for members of the public who want to simplify their online interactions without compromising on security.”

Phase 1 of Project Shield will test the proposed shared signals framework over the summer, with Phase 2 – where lessons learned will be tested using a wider pool of IDSPs – provisionally planned for the end of 2023.

Chris Lewis comments: “Mainstream adoption of Digital Identity has so many benefits – from making customer journeys simpler to promoting greater levels of financial inclusion. By giving people more ways to legitimately demonstrate they are who they say they are, you open doors to vital products and services that may otherwise have remained shut.

“Project Shield has the potential to address many questions, by giving IDSPs a workable framework to flag and learn of fraud concerns. With this joint initiative, we hope that Project Shield will prove that it can deliver the many benefits of a safer, more reliable digital identity ecosystem.”