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Verifications

Verification is the process of confirming the authenticity and validity of a digital credential. When an individual or organization shares a credential, the verifier must ensure that it is legitimate and issued by a trusted source. Verification in Hovi leverages cryptographic methods to check whether the credential has been tampered with and if it comes from a trusted issuer.

How Verification Works in Hovi​

1. Credential Presentation​

When a holder (e.g., an employee or student) needs to prove their identity, qualification, or fact, they share their verifiable credential with a third party (the verifier).

2. Cryptographic Validation​

The verifier uses cryptographic checks to validate the credentials. This involves verifying the digital signature of the issuer (e.g., a university or government authority) to ensure that the credential hasn’t been altered or forged. This process varies based on the type of credential, and the communication protocol used. For example, AnonCreds leverages zero-knowledge proofs, while JSON-LD and SD-JWT rely on digital signatures to validate credentials. These cryptographic methods confirm that the credential hasn’t been altered and is securely transmitted according to the communication protocol.

3. Issuer Trust Check​

The verification process also checks that the credential was issued by a trusted entity. This is done by verifying the issuer’s Decentralized Identifier (DID) and ensuring that the credential was signed using their valid cryptographic keys.

4. Revocation Status (Optional):​

The verifier can optionally check the credential's status by querying the Revocation Registry if applicable. Some credentials, like birth certificates or COVID-19 vaccine credentials, are non-revocable, while others may be subject to revocation by the issuer.

Verification ensures that only trusted credentials are used in digital interactions, preventing fraud and ensuring that verifiers can trust the information they receive. It enables secure and privacy-focused transactions without the need for central authorities, allowing individuals to control how and when they share their data.

For example, when applying for a job, the employer (verifier) can instantly verify the applicant’s university degree by checking its authenticity through Hovi’s verification process, without contacting the university directly.

Key Benefits of Verification in Hovi:​

  • Trust and Security: Credentials are cryptographically secured, ensuring they are valid and authentic.
  • Privacy Protection: Users can choose what information to share, and verifiers only access the necessary data.
  • Real-Time Verification: Credentials can be verified instantly, reducing delays in processes like job applications, certifications, or identity proof.

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