Chances are high that you’ve used your smartphone so unlock secure access with your unique mobile ID. Mobile IDs are digital IDs stored on and authenticated via mobile devices such as smartphones or wearables. The growing popularity of digital wallets has allowed users to incorporate a number of digital keys on their personal mobile devices. Keys include COVID-19 vaccination cards, employee badges, hotel room keys, student IDs, and even driver’s licenses in eight US states. These, among other digital documents, can be accessed directly from each mobile devices digital wallet app.
HID Global conducts comprehensive research on market trends, encapsulated in State of the Security Industry Reports. This year’s report heavily examines the steadily rising trend of users “going mobile”. The increased adoption rate of mobile and contactless solutions goes hand in hand with the rise in technologies such as Near Field Communication (NFC), and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), among similar technologies. NFC and BLE allow mobile readers and devices to communicate and authenticate identification credentials. This process provides access to verified users and keeps out inevitable security threats.
During the 2022 State of Physical Access Control Report, HID found that 66% of users have already upgraded to mobile readers and 41% stated that mobile access is a top feature when considering restructuring current access control systems.
It is clear that smartphones are becoming the credential of choice: allowing users to forgo company or school ID badges, credit cards, public transit passes, and even driver’s licenses. As popularity and usage continue to grow, companies will face pressure to provide solutions allowing users to complete transactions or verify their identity/credentials via their mobile devices. Is your business ready and able to keep up with this rising trend?
