The initiative invites technology companies to test and refine tools that can improve the security
The US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate has launched the third phase of its year-long Remote Identity Validation Rally (RIVR) challenge, shifting its focus to detecting and preventing presentation attacks in biometric systems.
Previous phases of the programme concentrated on fraud detection in selfie-to-document matching and authenticating identity documents. The latest stage targets attempts to bypass verification using high-resolution photographs, masks, deepfakes and other spoofing methods, which DHS warns are increasingly linked to crimes such as human trafficking, financial fraud and identity theft.
The initiative invites technology companies to test and refine tools that can improve the security, accuracy and usability of identity verification – particularly in onboarding scenarios such as applying for government services, opening bank accounts or verifying social media profiles.
Developed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) alongside Homeland Security Investigations’ Forensic Laboratory and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the RIVR programme aims to address emerging risks in the growing digital ID ecosystem.
Jason Lim, technology counsellor for the TSA Administrator, said that while digital IDs improve security and user experience, they “also present different threat vectors for bad actors”. He stressed that the partnership with DHS S\&T was critical to mitigating risks at both the enrolment and verification stages.
Arun Vemury, senior engineering adviser for identity technologies at DHS S\&T, described the rally as an example of effective public-private collaboration. “We’re all working towards building a more secure and trusted future for the American people,” he said.
The results of the trials are expected to help shape new standards, testing protocols and requirements for US agencies, international partners and other stakeholders.
