In a recent episode of Dark Rhiino Security Confidential, Nametag CEO Aaron Painter discussed his journey into the field of cybersecurity and shed light on how Nametag is revolutionizing the identity verification process.
A Journey Led by Necessity
Having spent nearly two decades living and working outside of the United States, Aaron witnessed the rapid shift towards the digital realm and the subsequent rise in identity theft. Inspired by the need to create secure spaces online, similar to the trusted spaces we have in the physical world, Aaron founded Nametag with a mission to enhance identity verification through innovative technologies.
“When I think of identity verification to be specific, I think of what the physical experience is-whether you’re going to a security office, or a safe trusted space like the airport. You go in, they ask you for an ID. They look at you, they run it through a scanner to see if the document has been manipulated…and you’re kind of in a safe buffer zone.
Those concepts that exist in the physical world, I would argue need to exist in the virtual world. Safe spaces know their members, know the people that are there.”
Transforming Identity Verification
“Technology platforms have made a big, big leap in what we’re able to do. Prior to Nametag, companies haven’t been taking advantage of them.”
Nametag is focused on creating secure moments that matter, particularly in helpdesk and IT and customer support environments. By leveraging mobile platforms, Nametag captures government-issued IDs and selfies, utilizing the advanced features of modern smartphones. This approach eliminates vulnerabilities associated with browser-based platforms and ensures a higher level of security.
“When I think of platforms, I think particularly of mobile. And so the world of scanning your government-issued ID, driver’s license, a passport and taking a selfie is not new, but it’s existed primarily for regulatory purposes. It exists in kind of a KYC flow that might happen when you open a new bank account and then that bank is doing a regulatory checkbox. But coincidentally when you call to transact at that bank, they don’t ask you for your ID again. They ask you for security questions, answers to things that unfortunately could easily be found online.
How can we take that familiar end user flow of a government ID and a selfie, but do it in a way with higher fidelity?”
The process begins when a user calls the helpdesk and receives a link to verify their identity. By tapping on the link, they are directed to a secure mobile app that captures the necessary information. Nametag's platform evaluates the captured images, comparing them against reference images, and provides a high level of confirmation to the support representative.
Prioritizing Universal Access and User Experience
While technologies like infrared cameras or blood flow patterns could enhance security, Nametag prioritizes accessibility and user experience.
“When you remove user experience friction and you can improve security, you open up a whole bunch of new scenarios. But the challenge is, how do you stay universal, so when you’re calling that helpdesk, you don’t have to be 5% of the population that has a camera that can read blood flow patterns!”
By leveraging existing mobile technologies and features like 3D depth mapping, Nametag ensures a secure and convenient solution without relying on the latest hardware advancements. This approach allows a wide range of users to access the identity verification platform easily.
The Future of Identity Verification and Broader Implications
The future of identity verification is promising, given the rising number of cyberattacks and fraudulent activities. Companies are recognizing the importance of securing their helpdesk and support environments, and the demand for solutions like Nametag is growing rapidly. Furthermore, government regulations, such as India's Aadhaar program, play a vital role in shaping the future of identity verification. Integration with such programs enhances the security and privacy of identity verification processes.
In an era where identity theft and cyberattacks are rampant, adopting robust identity verification solutions is crucial. Nametag presents an innovative approach to identity verification, leveraging mobile technology to create secure moments that matter. By prioritizing accessibility and user experience, Nametag is revolutionizing the industry and contributing to a safer digital landscape.
Watch the whole interview with Dark Rhiino Security Confidential’s Manoj Tandon.
