Unisys has introduced policy proposals at the 15th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) designed to create global standards for identity authentication in the public and private sector.

The policy proposals include developing international, interoperable baseline electronic credentials to assure authentication, standards for data elements, verification procedures and management requirements required to design and protect identification from tampering and misuse.

Unisys also proposed a code of conduct requiring organizations to define and present to the public uses of and benefits from electronic credentials before asking for personal data to create the identifications.

Joseph McGrath, Unisys president and CEO, said establishing ID authentication standards plays an important role in helping organizations better secure business operations.

"Standards can encourage additional security and convenience, enhanced efficiency and reduce costs across daily interactions between business and government agencies," McGrath said, adding companies and governments need more visibility into security operations to effectively manage risk.

"Security in a new world is not merely about what can go wrong, but what needs to go right. Organizations today operate on a slender thread, delicately striking a balance between security as defence and protection, and security as confidence and trust.

"Success demands a framework or blueprint to identify, track and trace and protect people, goods and information and IT systems. It demands technologies old and new, all connected through a clear digital blueprint."

McGrath said that to achieve this success an organization has to not only prevent problems, but inspire confidence in the marketplace.