How to create an Internet Identity account

This article will show you how to create an Internet Identity account. You may have heard about Web3 (the decentralized web) if you are interested in learning how to create an Internet Identity account. If this is the case, you may also be curious about the services and applications that Web3 has to offer. Through the use of this guide, you will learn how to configure online authentication in order to access private sessions. When you are finished, you can use the Internet Computer provided by DFINITY to investigate the decentralized web.

The use of passwords, which has been the standard method for authenticating users on the internet, is becoming an increasingly insecure practice. It is possible for someone to guess a password or steal it, and passwords are frequently stored in centralized databases that are susceptible to being hacked. You will have the ability to sign in to dapps on the Internet Computer in an unsecured and anonymous manner if you use the Internet Identity blockchain authentication system.

To give one example, your Internet Identity can be used to log in to the application known as the Network Nervous System (NNS). This is the location where you can store and stake ICP as well as take part in the governance of the Internet Computer. Internet Computer (ICP) Identity is a safe blockchain authentication system that has been developed by the DFINITY Foundation. This system is decentralized and cannot be altered in any way. Because of this, it is significantly more secure than the conventional method of authentication based on a password. here are the steps how to create an Internet Identity account.

What is an Internet Identity Account?

Users are given the ability to create identity “anchors” that they can then assign compatible cryptographically enabled devices to, such as the fingerprint sensor on a laptop, the face ID system on a phone, or a portable HSM, such as a YubiKey or Ledger wallet. Dfinity gives users the ability to do this. After that, they are able to register for and authenticate themselves in any decentralized application (dapp) that is running on an internet computer by using any of the devices that they have assigned to their anchor.

This enables users to authenticate to dapps that they are interested in with a very low level of friction, while benefiting from the highest level of cryptographic security, but without the need to directly manage or handle cryptographic key material themselves, which prevents mistakes as well as the theft of their key material. This provides a high level of convenience. When a decentralized application (dapp) is used to interact with the system, as well as any time an anchor is used, anonymization occurs.

The Importance of Internet Identity

1. Digital Presence: Internet identity is your online presence. It allows individuals and organizations to establish a digital persona, enabling them to interact with others and be recognized in the virtual world.
2. Authentication and Security: Internet identity plays a crucial role in authentication and security. It allows users to prove their identity and access various online services securely. Effective internet identity systems help protect against unauthorized access and online fraud.
3. Personalization: Internet identity enables platforms and websites to personalize user experiences. By knowing a user’s identity, these platforms can offer tailored content, recommendations, and services, enhancing the overall user experience.
4. E-commerce and Transactions: A reliable internet identity is essential for e-commerce and online transactions. It builds trust between buyers and sellers, as users can confidently engage in financial transactions, knowing the identity of the parties involved.
5. Online Communication: Internet identity is fundamental for online communication and social networking. Social media platforms and messaging apps rely on user identities to facilitate connections and interactions between individuals.

How to create an Internet Identity account

1. Go to https://identity.ic0.app/
2. Click the Create Identity Anchor button.
3. Choose your preferred authentication method from the list. This could be a security key, fingerprint sensor, or other biometric authentication method.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the authentication process.
5. Once you have authenticated successfully, you will be able to create your Internet Identity account.

Benefits of having an Internet Identity account

1. Convenience: Having an Internet Identity account makes it easier to use many websites and services online. You don’t have to make a new account for each site, so you can quickly log in. This makes it easier to remember your usernames and passwords.
2. Better security: A lot of Internet Identity providers offer better security features, like two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA), that can help keep your online accounts safe from people who aren’t supposed to be there.
3. You have more control over your personal information: when you have an Internet Identity account. You can pick and choose what websites can see about you and what third-party apps can do with your data.
4. Simplified Registration: It’s easier to make new accounts on websites because you can often use your Internet Identity credentials to sign up, so you don’t have to fill out registration forms over and over again.
5. Managing Passwords: Having an Internet Identity account can help you better manage your passwords. You won’t have to remember as many passwords, so you’re less likely to use weak or common ones.

What devices can you use?

Fingerprint readers allow for quick access while still maintaining a high level of security on the best Android phones. In order to set up an Internet Identity account, you can make use of an Android device that features a fingerprint reader. Another acceptable method of authentication is the Face ID feature found on iPhones and iPads. Some mobile devices also include a secure module on a chip for the purpose of encrypting and storing data. One such device is the Google Pixel 7, which incorporates a Titan M2 chip.

It is sufficient to have a fingerprint reader installed in a Chromebook, MacBook, or Windows laptop. Additionally, Windows Hello is supported. To authenticate yourself on a device that does not have biometric sensors built in, you can use a key that connects via USB, Bluetooth, or NFC. Examples of such security keys include Yubikey and Google’s Titan Security Key.

Conclusion

For a long time, people have known that their usernames and passwords are not very secure on the web. In order to stop this and make users of the Internet Computer (IC) safer, the Internet Identity (II) blockchain authentication system was created. With Internet Identity, you can use your devices to sign in to dapps on the Internet Computer without giving your real name. With a traditional HSM device, like a YubiKey, or a mobile device with a TPM chip, like a laptop or phone, anyone can make an Internet identity and start using dapps on the IC.

Questions and Answers