Verifying a degree or other credentials can often be a lengthy process. It can be especially time-consuming when working with international applicants who may be based in different countries.
But a new technology called blockchain is making the process much faster and more efficient. This is transforming the future of credential verification.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology uses a peer-to-peer system to verify records without the need for central authority. Transactions are approved by thousands of computers and devices instead of just one person, resulting in lower processing fees and less human error.
Blockchain is most famous for being the backbone of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but it has many potential applications. For example, a company using blockchain could track food items to locate any problems in the supply chain quickly. It could also help protect copyrights and royalties for artists.
A blockchain database is a digital log of transactions that is transparent and immutable. It is a secure system because it requires two cryptographic keys to add or access data. These keys are referred to as the public and private key and they work together to ensure the integrity of the database. Blockchains are a great way to move and safeguard data, as it is very difficult to alter a record once it has been added. This makes it ideal for tasks like identity verification and data tracking. Additionally, it is faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods.
Artificial Intelligence for Credential Verification
A key aspect of the future of degree verification is the synergy between AI and verifiable credentials (VCs). VCs enable students and professionals to validate their academic achievements digitally and share them with schools, employers, and peers. This eliminates the need for physical proof and provides a more secure and convenient way to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and qualifications.
Using advanced machine learning, AI can automate the verification process by analyzing documents and detecting anomalies or fraudulent elements. This streamlines the verification process and helps prevent credential fraud.
Another benefit of AI is its ability to process massive amounts of data quickly and accurately. This allows for faster, more efficient background checks, which is important for many industries. For example, if an employee is known to log in from their home computer and suddenly starts logging in from Starbucks, this may indicate a compromised device or stolen account. In this case, the authentication platform can use an AI-powered risk score to assess this and prompt additional security measures like a password reset or facial recognition.
Additionally, AI can be used to verify criminal records by analyzing public databases and assessing the likelihood of fraud or identity theft. This allows for more accurate and less time-consuming background checks for healthcare professionals, educators, and job applicants.
Digital Credentials and Verifiable Credentials
Digital credentials are a streamlined and more efficient alternative to traditional paper-based credentials such as ID cards and certificates. They are secure, tamper-proof, and contain a wealth of metadata that proves the authenticity of the credential. They are also designed to be reusable and able to be updated in real-time.
They are one of the three pillars of Self-Sovereign Identity and use blockchain and decentralized identifier technology to ensure that an individual is in control of their digital identity. They are a powerful tool for providing proof of identity and academic qualifications.
For example, you could show a digital credential to a store that verifies your age before selling alcohol. This means that you don’t need to reveal your personal ID and can protect your privacy.
In addition, you can also share digital credentials with people in other countries and organizations without needing to translate them or send physical copies. This reduces the friction caused by different formats for credential verification and enables seamless interactions with government services, schools, and businesses. In turn, this improves global mobility and enhances trust in the credentials of individuals worldwide.
International Collaboration in Degree Verification
As global student mobility grows and digital solutions shape credential evaluation, international collaboration will be essential to solving many of the world’s most pressing challenges. The promise of collaboration is already apparent, for example in the recent successes in responding to natural disasters such as Haiti and Japan, and in tackling health crises such as Ebola and pandemic influenza.
International collaboration is also important for universities, colleges, and academic programs, as it allows them to produce students who are more globally trained. For instance, the UK’s Higher Education Degree Datacheck collaborates with other countries to verify academic degrees and take action against diploma mills https://lambanggiagiare.net/.
The broader benefits of international collaboration are also evident in the growing number of collaborative research opportunities, particularly in internationalizing graduate degrees and in developing a more global workforce. However, to maximize the benefits of international collaboration, it is essential that researchers be aware of export compliance issues, such as those relating to foreign governments and embargoed or sanctioned nations. To ensure compliance, it is necessary for universities and organizations to conduct risk assessments with international collaborators to identify potential compliance risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Enhanced Degree Verification Services
As the world of higher education continues to expand, so too does the need for companies to verify applicants’ degrees. However, the process is not as easy as it may seem. Privacy laws and university restrictions on releasing student information make it necessary for employers to work with trusted background screening providers that maintain databases of accredited institutions and have developed relationships with colleges to streamline the verification process.
Taking advantage of enhanced degree verification services can further advance your background check process, while also eliminating the potential for costly errors that can result in bad hires. When you partner with a qualified provider, you’ll benefit from instant verification of college degrees and attendance that saves time and money while upholding the highest standards of privacy.
Be wary of any institutions with names that are similar to well-known universities, as some diploma mills may use these names to lure unsuspecting candidates. For example, Columbia College in Missouri is often confused with Columbia University in New York, even though it is only regionally accredited. Make sure that the school you’re checking is legitimate by using an online database like iprospectcheck.
