Microsoft hints at new identity management solution

Microsoft has flagged the possibility of secure identity cards within its next operating system, here: 'Secure identity with Longhorn': According to Microsoft, these virtual cards will enable users to selectively disclose the information they wish about themselves online to businesses and individuals. First previewed at Microsoft's Professional Developers Conference (PDC) in 2003, info-cards appear to be Microsoft's take on federated, single sign-in and use the specifications developed with IBM and others in the WS- services architecture. Microsoft has long-talked of incorporating web services into Longhorn in order to give users the ability to sign-in to web services. In the current Identty climate, this would be a bold step. However, given legal ambiguities concerns over the liability arising from fraudulent use of account aggregation software, it will be interesting to see if Microsoft follows through on this approach. The reputational liability is significant. Passport has had a rather 'mixed' reception.

Spooky

So there we were at the Glasshouse ID theft seminar yesterday morning, and Mr X, (no names; no pack-drill) a former senior man on a National Tabloid says: "If I were in my old job, and watching the escalation of fear and trembing around this issue, I'd be getting my guys on this to expose a big authority symbol. The banks or the government." 80 minutes later, the first edition of the Evening Standard celebrates a reporter buying Hazel Blears forged passport in the East End for £2,000. Spooky perhaps, but this issue is only just gathering pace. We can expect more, and worse before things get better.