Identity types

Human Identity

Diagram representing a glossary term in Oasis Security, illustrating key concepts in non human identity management

Human identity refers to the unique characteristics, attributes, or identifiers associated with individual users or persons within a system or environment. Human identity information may include personal details, biometric data, or authentication credentials used for access control and user management.

For example, in an enterprise environment, human identity information typically includes attributes such as name, email address, employee ID, job title, and department affiliation. This information is used to uniquely identify individuals and manage their access to resources, systems, and applications within the organization.

Human identity plays a crucial role in identity and access management (IAM) systems, which are responsible for authenticating users, authorizing access to resources, and enforcing security policies. IAM systems maintain user identity records, authenticate users based on their credentials, and manage access rights and permissions based on their roles or attributes.

Identity verification methods may vary depending on the level of assurance required for a particular application or service. Common authentication factors include something the user knows (such as a password or PIN), something they have (such as a smart card or mobile device), or something they are (such as biometric data like fingerprint or facial recognition).

By accurately identifying and managing human identities, organizations can ensure proper access control, enforce security policies, and protect sensitive resources from unauthorized access or misuse. Human identity management is essential for maintaining data confidentiality, integrity, and compliance with regulatory requirements.