Definition, risks, and safe management

definition of terms

Digital identity describes all information that makes a person, device, or system uniquely identifiable in the digital space. This includes user accounts, access data, roles, permissions, and biometric characteristics, regardless of whether they are stored locally, in the cloud, or in a hybrid system.

Digital identities are the backbone of modern IT security. Without them, it is impossible to ensure who has access to what and why.

What exactly is a digital identity?

Digital identities can be assigned to both people (e.g., employees, partners, customers) and non-human entities, such as applications, bots, servers, or IoT devices. They all need their own identity in order to communicate securely with systems and act in an authorized manner.

One user, multiple accounts

Often, a single person has multiple digital accounts: e.g., for email, ERP, HR systems, or collaboration tools. All of these accounts are part of a digital identity—and must be managed and protected consistently.

Risks associated with weak identity control

If a digital identity is compromised, for example through phishing or credential stuffing, there can be far-reaching consequences:

Unauthorized individuals can gain access to critical systems and data, often unnoticed. The risk of data breaches and cyberattacks increases significantly.

Therefore, the following applies:

The stronger the identity management, the higher the resilience.

Digital identities require governance

Secure management of digital identities requires modern IAM concepts—including authentication, authorization, transparency, and rules for access.

Centralized identity management is essential, especially in companies with many employees, systems, and hybrid infrastructures.

Typical components of digital identities:

  • Username, password, biometric features
  • Roles & Group Memberships
  • Device IDs or service accounts
  • Certificates, tokens, or keys
  • Access histories & attributes such as department, location, etc.

Conclusion:

Digital identities are the basis for security and efficiency, as well as for compliance. Without them, there is no control over access, and without control, there is no security.

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