The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has launched the Remote Identity Validation Rally (RIVR).
A series of technology challenges aimed at enhancing remote identity validation technologies, in collaboration with TSA, HSI Forensic Laboratory, and NIST to improve security and user experience for online services.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is spearheading an initiative to advance remote identity validation technologies through its Science and Technology Directorate (S&T).
This effort, known as the Remote Identity Validation Rally (RIVR), seeks to bolster security measures for online government and commercial services.
A Team Effort
Collaborating with key partners such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Forensic Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), DHS aims to develop more secure and reliable methods for verifying identities remotely.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat identity fraud in the digital age.

Enhancing Digital Security
The RIVR initiative is designed to address growing concerns about identity fraud associated with remote transactions.
By improving digital verification processes, it aims to provide U.S. citizens and businesses with enhanced security when accessing online services.
Technological Advancements
- Development of secure remote identity validation technologies
- Collaboration between DHS, TSA, HSI, and NIST
- Improved user experience for online government services
- Reduction in risks associated with identity fraud
- Enhanced efficiency in digital verification processes
Strategic Partnerships
- DHS collaborates with TSA on RIVR initiatives.
- NIST contributes through robust technology evaluations.
- HSI Forensic Laboratory plays a critical role in development efforts.
- S&T leads scientifically rigorous testing of new technologies.
- TSA relies on S&T’s independent testing for process improvements.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
“For many years, we have been relying on S&T’s scientifically rigorous and independent testing of our identity technology and processes,”
said TSA Identity Management Capability Manager Jason Lim.
“TSA is very pleased to once again partner with S&T on the continuation and expansion of this effort to ensure that remotely enrolled digital identities meet our threshold of trust, security, and privacy as the use of digital IDs, including mobile driver’s license, continues to expand.”
Arun Vemury, DHS S&T Senior Advisor for Biometric and Identity Technologies said,
“In the past year, we’ve seen tremendous engagement from the identity and biometrics technology industry and have evaluated approximately 50 commercial solutions.”
It is vital that we understand the capabilities of these technologies, therefore NIST is enthusiastic to contribute to this important ongoing effort through robust technology evaluations and standardized metrics,”
said NIST Biometrics Evaluator Patrick Grother.
Additional Reading
Wrapping Up
The Remote Identity Validation Rally represents a significant step forward in securing digital interactions across various sectors.
By leveraging partnerships among federal agencies like DHS, TSA, HSI Forensic Laboratory, and NIST, this initiative promises improved safety measures against identity fraud while enhancing user experiences nationwide.
Continued collaboration will be essential as these technologies evolve further over time.
Sources: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Institute of Standards & Technology, and Transportation Security Administration.