Terminologies

Owned by Rounak Nayak
Last updated: Feb 21, 2024
3 min read

Terminology used within this specification.

  • Authenticator
    An authenticator is a device, application, or system that verifies the identity of a user, often through the use of credentials such as passwords, biometrics, or security tokens.

  • BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
    BLE is a wireless communication technology designed for short-range communication between devices. It is commonly used for connecting devices like smartphones and wearables.

  • Credential Holder
    The credential holder is an entity (person, device, or system) that possesses and manages digital credentials within a system or framework.

  • Credential Issuer
    A credential issuer is an entity responsible for creating and issuing digital credentials. This entity is typically trusted to verify and confirm the identity of the subject before issuing credentials.

  • Credential Verifier
    The credential verifier is an entity responsible for checking the authenticity and validity of digital credentials presented by a credential holder.

  • Digital Credential Wallet
    A Digital Credential Wallet is a secure and user-controlled digital storage system designed to manage, store, and present digital credentials in a standardized and interoperable format. Digital credentials, also known as Verifiable Credentials (VCs), represent various types of qualifications, achievements, or attributes in a digital and tamper-evident form. The Digital Credential Wallet provides individuals with a convenient and privacy-centric means of carrying and presenting their verifiable information in various contexts.

  • ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
    ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that sets international standards for aviation, including standards for machine-readable travel documents like passports.

  • ISO mDL (ISO Mobile Driver's License)
    ISO mDL refers to a digital representation of a driver's license that conforms to international standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO mDL standard (ISO/IEC 18013-5) outlines specifications for the format, structure, security, and interoperability of mobile driver's licenses.

  • NFC (Near Field Communication)
    NFC is a short-range wireless communication technology that enables devices to exchange data when placed close to each other. It is commonly used for contactless payments and data transfer.

  • OpenID4VC (OpenID for Verified Credentials)
    OpenID4VC refers to an initiative related to using the OpenID Connect framework for handling verified credentials.

  • OpenID4VCI (OpenID for Verified Credentials Issuer)
    OpenID4VCI refers to an initiative related to using the OpenID Connect framework for issuing verified credentials.

  • OpenIDConnect
    OpenID Connect is an identity layer built on top of the OAuth 2.0 protocol. It provides a way for clients to authenticate users and obtain information about them.

  • PII (Personally Identifiable Information)
    PII refers to any information that can be used to identify a specific individual, such as names, addresses, social security numbers, or biometric data.

  • SSO (Single Sign-On)
    SSO is an authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications with a single set of login credentials, reducing the need to log in separately to each application.

  • Verifiable Credentials (VCs)
    Verifiable credentials are digital statements that attest to the truth of certain claims. They are issued, held, and presented in a secure and privacy-preserving manner.

  • Verifiable Presentations (VPs)
    Verifiable presentations involve the secure and privacy-preserving presentation of verifiable credentials to third parties for verification.

  • QR Code
    A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that can store various types of information, such as website URLs, contact information, or other data. It is often used for easy and quick data exchange using a camera-equipped device.