Cloud computing creates new digital identity standards

Online and password authentication technology has been around for some time now, though due to the cloud these processes may have to undergo revisions.

According to Computerworld UK, the cloud was one of the main reasons behind Jericho Forum's introduction of new digital identity management principles. The guidelines were published in a comprehensive report, entitled the Identity, Entitlement and Access Management Commandments.

The intent of the of the guidelines is to "to promote open and interoperable standards that can be used to help build identity management processes that can work on a global, de-perimeterized basis." According to the news source, this is a direct reference to cloud computing.

Furthermore, Jericho president Paul Simmonds told the media organization that "core identity" will be the focus of identity protection in the cloud.

It used to be the case that authentication systems focused on specific computers accessing stored information, rather than people. However, because the cloud enables users to access information from a number of mobile platforms, new authentication standards must be issued to ensure remote access won't result in data breaches.

Identity protection in the cloud may become a central concern for government agencies as well. According to the Daily Tech, the NSA is currently developing an interoperable cloud solution for federal agencies, which it hopes will remain secure.