Read the full article here
Understanding Digital Wallet Assurance Frameworks
Digital wallet assurance is at the core of secure digital identity systems worldwide. With increasing reliance on digital credentials, from mobile driver’s licenses to electronic signatures, assurance frameworks like eIDAS 2.0 (EU), NIST SP 800–63 (US) and Australia’s Trusted Digital Identity Framework (TDIF/AGDIS) set the standards for trust, security and interoperability. This article compares these leading frameworks and highlights key practices for robust digital identity management.
Key Assurance Levels in Digital Identity
Central to all major frameworks are assurance levels, which quantify confidence in a digital identity’s authenticity. These include:
- Identity Assurance Level (IAL): Validates how thoroughly a user’s identity has been verified.
- Authenticator Assurance Level (AAL): Measures the security of the authentication method (e.g., biometrics, passwords).
- Federation Assurance Level (FAL): Assesses the reliability of identity information shared across different systems.
Understanding and targeting the right assurance level is essential for both security and user experience when deploying digital wallets.
Regional Approaches to Digital Identity
EU (eIDAS 2.0):
- Establishes a unified, interoperable system across member states.
- Defines three assurance levels: Low, Substantial, High.
- Mandates the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet, designed for secure, cross-border digital interactions.
US (NIST SP 800–63):
- Offers granular control with separate assurance levels for identity proofing, authentication and federation.
- Allows organizations to tailor risk management strategies for diverse use cases.
Australia (TDIF/AGDIS):
- Features a hybrid model with distinct identity proofing and credential levels.
- Emphasizes a phased, risk-based rollout of digital identity solutions.
Biometric Verification and Multi-Factor Authentication
All three frameworks prioritize biometric verification (such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning) to link digital credentials to real individuals. Best practices for wallet access recommend multi-factor authentication, combining knowledge (password), possession (device) and biometrics for robust security. This approach helps prevent unauthorized access and phishing attacks.
Onboarding Digital Credentials and Mobile Wallets
Secure onboarding is critical to digital wallet assurance. Techniques include optical scanning of physical documents, cryptographic NFC transfers and biometric liveness checks. The article also distinguishes between native wallets (integrated into the device OS, like Apple Wallet) and third-party wallets, noting differences in onboarding flows and device provisioning. Notably, standards like ISO 18013–5 for mobile driver’s licenses mandate device-centric security, including biometric re-verification when adding credentials to new devices.
Qualified Electronic Signatures in the EU
The EU’s Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) represent the highest legal standard for electronic signatures, equivalent to handwritten signatures. QES relies on qualified certificates and secure signature creation devices, often built into digital wallets. This enables secure, legally-binding digital transactions across the EU.
Best Practices for Wallet Issuers and Developers
Organizations looking to implement or integrate digital wallets should:
- Target assurance levels that match their risk profile and user needs.
- Adopt biometric and liveness detection technologies.
- Follow risk-based authentication practices and international standards.
- Plan for secure onboarding and credential provisioning across devices.
Conclusion: Towards Interoperable and Secure Digital Identity
Despite regional differences, there is global alignment on biometric-based, risk-tiered assurance frameworks for digital wallets. These evolving standards are shaping interoperable and user-friendly digital identity ecosystems worldwide.
Find out more on digital wallet assurance, security practices and regional frameworks by visiting our full article: https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-wallet-assurance