What is digital identity?

A digital identity is a set of characteristics (or “claims”) by which a person or thing is recognizable or distinguished in the digital realm. Digital identity allows us to address an individual or thing without confusing it for someone/something else.

What is the difference between CardSpace and Smartcards?

Smartcards and CardSpace can work in concert with one another. CardSpace is a digital representation of a user’s identity as issued by a particular Identity Provider.

When the customer selects an CardSpace to use such as when logging into an online account or performing an online paymet, it results in sending a request to a Security Token Server (STS) at the Identity Provider to generate a security token of a requested type.

Sometimes the user needs to provide a credential, such as a PIN or password, to the Security Token Server. A Smartcard may be used as such a credential.