Confidence is assurance grounded in evidence and observation that an identity, interaction, or system representation is reliable. Unlike trust, it reduces vulnerability without requiring complete reliance on another party; both exist on a spectrum rather than as binary states. section 2.6.1
In digital identity, confidence answers whether an account is genuine, attributes are verified and current, a connection reaches the intended service, and an authorization decision uses the right level of access. System design, affordability, and governance determine how much confidence the arrangement can support. section 2.6.2 section 2.8
Technical confidence is strengthened by controls that limit identity fraud, impersonation, and unauthorized access:
- Proof identity attributes during enrollment and when critical attributes change. section 2.6.3
- Maintain the account life cycle through updates, validity checks, revocation, and deactivation. section 2.6.3
- Use stronger authentication mechanisms and recognize that factors provide different assurance levels. section 2.6.3
- Evaluate attributes dynamically against an up-to-date source of truth rather than relying on long-lived credentials. section 2.6.3
From phishing to authorization failure
People may trust a deceptive link because a poorly designed system supplies false confidence signals. Similarly, compromised contractor credentials and weak authorization practices can let attackers assume administrative roles. Better identity design, authentication, attribute verification, and governance reduce these vulnerabilities. section 2.6.2 section 2.6.3
