Digital Credentials: Building Trust in a Post-Pandemic World

As societies reopen, digital vaccination passports are being used to verify immunity—offering a way to balance public health goals with personal freedom. But behind the scenes, these systems carry real cybersecurity risks. If a system stores health data in a central location, it becomes a prime target. Once breached, the consequences could be severe

Getting this right means rethinking how data is collected, stored, and shared. Users shouldn’t have to hand over personal health details to third parties. Instead, the system should work with what’s already available—like verified records from clinics—and keep sensitive data on the user’s device. That way, no single point holds the data, and attacks have fewer entry points. The goal isn’t to build a perfect system overnight—it’s to create one that’s transparent, accountable, and built to stand up to real-world threats.

Key Considerations for Secure Vaccination Passport Systems

• Data Minimization & Local Storage: Only collect what’s needed—proof of vaccination status. Store that data on the user’s device when possible, not in central databases. This keeps sensitive health info out of reach of hackers and reduces the risk of misuse.
• Decentralized Verification & Blockchain Potential: Move away from single, centralized databases that can fail or be compromised. Use decentralized methods—like blockchain—so users control their own credentials and can share them securely with trusted parties. This makes it harder for bad actors to tamper with or fake records.
• Strong Authentication & Digital Signatures: Don’t rely on passwords alone. Use digital signatures tied directly to official health authorities to verify authenticity. These signatures prevent forgery and ensure certificates haven’t been altered. Add multi-factor authentication to stop unauthorized access.
• Supply Chain Security & Trusted Issuing Authorities: Start with the vaccine providers. Ensure they follow strict rules when issuing records. Independent audits and certifications help confirm that issuing bodies aren’t tampering with data or violating privacy standards.
• Regular Security Audits & Penetration Testing: Security isn’t a one-time task. Conduct regular, independent reviews and simulated attacks to catch flaws before they’re exploited. This ongoing scrutiny keeps the system strong as threats evolve.

Stakeholders—from governments to developers to clinics—must work together to set clear standards. When everyone shares the same expectations, the system becomes more trustworthy and easier to use—without compromising security.