Identifikaatio

Identifikaatio is the process of establishing or confirming the identity of a person, a legal entity, a device, or an object. The term is used in several languages, with cognates such as identifikation or identifikatsioon, and it covers both the act of identifying and the resulting verified identity. In information technology and security contexts, identificatio often involves comparing supplied identifiers or credentials against trusted records or sources.

Common methods include document-based verification (passport, ID card), knowledge-based checks (what you know), possession-based checks (what you have, such as a security token), and, increasingly, biometric verification (fingerprint, facial recognition). In IT, identification answers the question who are you, while authentication confirms that your claimed identity is genuine.

Applications range from border control and government services to banking, telecommunications, and online platforms. Digital identity infrastructures and services—such as national eID schemes and identity providers—facilitate online access to services, while compliance regimes (for example, data protection and anti-money-laundering rules) govern how identities are collected and used.

Privacy and security are central concerns in identificatio. Risks include identity theft, impersonation, and data breaches. Safeguards include multi-factor authentication, data minimization, consent, auditing, and transparent policies.