For a Digital Identity to have any real value, the Validations Process used to issue that identity is critical. This process checks each step that is taken to prove the person's Natural Identity before they are issued with their Digital Identity. And how this Natural Identity is proved is by the 'Layered Approach'.

1	Public Information
2	Electronic Information
3	Location or Email Address
4	Unique Processes
5	Secret or Shared Secret Information
6	Possessions
7	Face, Eyes, Fingerprints, Biometrics, etc
8	DNA

The Layered Approach combines several layers in the Validation process and with each additional layer you are getting closer and closer to absolute proof of the person's Natural Identity. Ideally, all 8 layers should be used, but this would make a simple Validation Process virtually impossible (not to mention trying to extract the DNA from your users would most likely bring real tears to their eyes).

The approach is to carefully balance the level of Identity Assurance with the Complexity Use level your end users will experience. It is easy to reach this balance if you understand the Validation Sphere approach. The Digi-CAST™ Team use the Validation Sphere system as part of their project planning for any Digi-Access™ system implementation.

The Validation Sphere creates the balance between security and ease of use and can be applied to any environment where authentication of the end user is required. Digi-Access™ Certificates are simple to deploy and use, and by applying the Validation Sphere, you can further simplify the Validation Process.