Identifikatsiooni

Identifikatsioon, or identification, is the process of establishing the identity of a person or object. It involves determining whether an entity corresponds to a claimed identity and may also involve linking it to a known identity in a system or record. In practice, identifikatsioon often relies on comparing observed attributes with reference data such as documents, credentials, or biometric measurements.

Common forms of identifikatsioon include personal identification (verifying who a person is), object identification (determining which item is present), and biometric identification (using measurements of biological traits to distinguish individuals). In digital and security contexts, identifikatsioon is closely related to authentication and authorization, and it frequently employs multi-factor approaches to increase reliability.

Methods used to achieve identifikatsioon vary. Document-based identification relies on official IDs or passports. Knowledge-based verification uses information only the claimant should know, such as passwords or answers to security questions. Possession-based methods require something the claimant has, like a physical card or a mobile device. Biometric identification compares unique traits such as fingerprints, facial features, or iris patterns. In many systems, especially online services, identifikatsioon is part of a broader identity management process and may be combined with authentication and access control.

Applications span government services (citizenship, voting, social programs), finance (know your customer, onboarding), healthcare (patient matching), telecommunications, and general IT services (account creation, access to resources). Privacy, data protection, and bias concerns are central in designing identifikatsioon systems. Legal frameworks and standards govern data handling, consent, retention, and the accuracy of identity data, aiming to balance security with individual rights.