Credentialen

Credentialen is the plural form of credential in Dutch, referring to items or data that prove identity or authorization. In information technology and security contexts, credentials are the data used to verify who or what is requesting access and to determine permissions. Typical examples include usernames and passwords, security tokens, digital certificates, and biometric data. Credentials may be presented by a user, a device, or an application and can be verified locally or by a remote service.

Credential management covers the lifecycle of credentials: creation, storage, distribution, usage, rotation, revocation, and retirement. Good practice includes using strong, unique passwords or passwordless methods, securely storing credentials using cryptographic techniques (for example hashing with salt), transmitting credentials only over encrypted channels, and enforcing multi-factor authentication. Organizations consider password hygiene, credential vaults, and the principle of least privilege to minimize risk. Common threats include credential theft via phishing or malware, credential stuffing when the same credentials are reused across sites, and insider misuse.

In professional contexts, credentials also refer to formal qualifications, licenses, or certifications that establish an individual's competence or authorization to perform certain tasks. Such credentials are issued by educational institutions, professional bodies, or regulatory authorities and may require renewal or continuing education to remain valid. Credentials can be delivered as physical documents, digital records, or verifiable credentials that can be cryptographically proved to a verifier.

The landscape of digital credentials is evolving with standards for verifiable credentials and decentralized identity, including formats such as X.509 certificates and emerging W3C Verifiable Credentials, which aim to enable portable, privacy-respecting proofs of identity and qualifications.