A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF IDENTITY ASSURANCE: KANTARA, EIDAS, AND REFEDS PERSPECTIVES ON LOA

Abstract

In the contemporary era marked by the pervasive use of digital devices, safeguarding electronic identity has become indispensable for ensuring secure and dependable interactions within federated systems. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of identity assurance frameworks, with a specific focus on the perspectives provided by Kantara, eIDAS, and REFEDS systems concerning Levels of Assurance (LoA), which involves examining various aspects of their identity assurance frameworks, standards, and implementations. Although Kantara, eIDAS, and REFEDS share a common goal of increasing identity assurance and trust in federated systems, they differ in their scope, regulatory mandates, LoA frameworks, and approaches to adoption and implementation. Understanding these differences is essential for organizations looking to navigate the complex landscape of identity management and choose the most appropriate frameworks for their specific needs. Through a meticulous review of each framework, this study delves into the foundational principles, methodologies, and implementations underpinning identity assurance within federated systems. By scrutinizing the perspectives of Kantara, eIDAS, and REFEDS, this analysis elucidates the similarities, distinctions, strengths, and limitations of each framework in tackling identity assurance challenges. Furthermore, this study explores the implications for future research and development in federated identity management, providing higher security of the electronic identities of users of federated systems. By fostering a deeper understanding of identity assurance frameworks, this comparative analysis contributes to the advancement of secure and trusted digital interactions in various organizational systems.