Securing digital identity is fundamental to trust in the EU’s digital services ecosystem.

Introduction

With the growing adoption of digital identity solutions across Europe—especially under frameworks like eIDAS 2.0—the challenge of safeguarding security and privacy is at the forefront. European businesses and citizens are increasingly dependent on digital tools to transact and communicate, making robust security and privacy approaches not merely advisable, but essential for compliance and public confidence.

The Security Framework in eIDAS 2.0

The eIDAS 2.0 regulation establishes strict measures to ensure only authorised parties can access or use digital identities. For instance, the regulation mandates multi-factor authentication (MFA), cryptographic protections, and regular security audits for Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs). These requirements are documented by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and enforced through audits and supervision by national competent authorities. This framework drastically reduces the chances of identity theft, unauthorised access, or data breaches.

Privacy by Design: A Legal Requirement

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and reinforced in eIDAS 2.0, 'privacy by design' is obligatory. This means organisations must integrate privacy measures into digital identity systems from the outset. Features such as data minimisation (processing only the minimum necessary information), user consent management, and transparency reports are not optional—they are required. For example, a bank offering remote onboarding via eID must enable users to see what personal data is shared and with whom, and give them meaningful control over that data.

EU Digital Identity Wallets: Practical Privacy Protections

A flagship development under eIDAS 2.0 is the European Digital Identity Wallet, allowing citizens and businesses to store and control credentials securely. The architecture follows the principle of 'selective disclosure,' meaning only the attributes necessary for a specific service (such as age verification for online purchases) are shared—not the entire identity dataset. The EU’s specifications ensure all wallet providers are certified against rigorous security benchmarks, and any exchange of attestations is cryptographically protected. For example, a resident applying for a municipal parking permit can prove residency using only that attribute from their wallet, without revealing additional personal information.

Ongoing Monitoring and Incident Response

Both ENISA and national authorities maintain monitoring mechanisms to detect and resolve security incidents. The EU Cybersecurity Act establishes a framework for rapid reporting and mitigation of incidents that may compromise digital identities. Organisations must have clear incident response plans, regularly test systems for vulnerabilities, and provide transparent notifications to individuals in the event of a data breach.

Practical Tips for EU Businesses

• Select only EU-compliant Qualified Trust Service Providers.
• Implement multi-factor authentication for all access points.
• Regularly audit digital identity systems for weaknesses.
• Educate staff and end-users about safe identity practices.

Conclusion

Security and privacy are cornerstones of the EU digital identity landscape. With robust regulatory oversight and a technology-first approach, Europe sets a high bar for digital trust. By following these standards, businesses and public sector bodies can offer secure, privacy-respecting services—bolstering user trust in the digital single market.