The Horcrux Protocol: A Method for Decentralized Biometric-based Self-sovereign Identity

TL;DR

The paper introduces the Horcrux protocol, a decentralized biometric authentication system leveraging DIDs and blockchain technology to enhance security and eliminate single points of failure in digital identity management.

Contribution

It proposes a novel decentralized biometric credential storage method using DIDs, blockchain, and BOPS, advancing self-sovereign identity solutions.

Findings

Decentralized biometric storage reduces security risks.

Implementation aligns with W3C DIDs and IEEE BOPS standards.

Enhances privacy and control over digital identities.

Abstract

Most user authentication methods and identity proving systems rely on a centralized database. Such information storage presents a single point of compromise from a security perspective. If this system is compromised it poses a direct threat to users' digital identities. This paper proposes a decentralized authentication method, called the Horcrux protocol, in which there is no such single point of compromise. The protocol relies on decentralized identifiers (DIDs) under development by the W3C Verifiable Claims Community Group and the concept of self-sovereign identity. To accomplish this, we propose specification and implementation of a decentralized biometric credential storage option via blockchains using DIDs and DID documents within the IEEE 2410-2017 Biometric Open Protocol Standard (BOPS).