Identity Wallet-Based Verification

Identity wallets allow you to store identity documents, and social security details, all in one place on your smartphone or on the web. They allow you to reuse previously verified identities.

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Identity Wallets on the Smartphone

Every time you download and install the 1Kosmos app, a new identity wallet is created for you using public key cryptography. A decentralized identifier along with the key pair constitute your identity wallet. PII information about the user is stored within the wallet and requires the user's private key and biometrics to read data from the wallet. The private key is securely stored in the Secure Enclave of the device, and the public key is stored by relying parties.

When data from the wallet needs to be presented to a relying party, the holder must present biometrics and consent to share data. When approved, the private key is presented as a credential to unlock the wallet and share data. The private key never leaves the device, minimizing it from compromise.

Identity Wallets for the Web

For enterprises looking to onboard their customers purely from a web-based journey, 1Kosmos supports web wallets that are implicitly created during sign-up. A decentralized identifier along with the public key and private key constitute your identity wallet. Web wallets are protected by password-based or passwordless MFA methods. In addition, wallets require a user-provided PIN to unlock the wallet.

Replacing Passwords with Public Key Cryptography

Public key cryptography reduces the threat from potential database breaches. Initiating 1Kosmos mobile generates a public-private key pair on the user's authenticator (a physical device). The user's public key is stored by requesting websites / relying parties, but this alone is useless to an attacker. An attacker cannot derive the user's private key from the data stored on the server, which is required to complete authentication.