Levels of identity security

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Levels of identity security

Identity protection uses three levels of security. Used together, they help ensure the validity and authenticity of identity information on important documents like ID cards, driver’s licenses, and passports.

Level 1 Security (L1S) — Surface Data
- Features you can see on the surface: UV ink, watermarks, holograms, microprinting, special fibers, and other visible design elements.
- Pros: Easy to verify by eye.
- Cons: Can be copied or forged; the data is static and may not reflect the latest information.

Level 2 Security (L2S) — Embedded Data
- Data stored inside the document on chips, magnetic strips, RFID, or smart cards.
- Pros: Harder to counterfeit than surface features; can hold more data.
- Cons: Requires special readers to access; can be hacked or duplicated; limited by memory size.

Level 3 Security (L3S) — Forensic Data
- Centralized, dynamic security checks that go beyond the paper document.
- Pros: Most powerful protection; detects tampering by comparing the document to the true identity in secure databases.
- Cons: Depends on secure data management and authorized access; coordinated systems are needed.
- Endorsements: Supported by international bodies (e.g., UN agencies) to strengthen identity protection.

In short, Level 1 provides easy visual checks, Level 2 adds embedded data, and Level 3 relies on centralized, forensic verification. Together, they offer comprehensive protection for personal identities and their documents.

See also
- Authentication
- Identity document forgery
- Identity document
- Identity fraud
- Phishing
- RFID
- Tamper-evident
- Tamper resistance
- Wireless identity theft