A new study by Juniper Research reveals that the number of installed digital identity applications is set to skyrocket from 2.8 billion in 2025 to an astonishing 6.2 billion by 2030, marking a remarkable growth rate of 121%.
The driving force behind this surge stems from global governmental initiatives aiming to digitise identity credentials. As nations grapple with the need for heightened security and efficiency, the focus has shifted toward decentralised identity models.
These models allow individuals greater agency over their personal data, building trust and increasing adoption—a critical factor in markets with varying levels of existing digital infrastructure.
Louis Atkin, research analyst at Juniper Research, highlights a pivotal point: “Governments are investing resources into centralised digital identity systems, but adoption will stall unless users have real control. Decentralised models that let citizens decide exactly what data they share are essential to building trust and driving uptake.”
The relevance for Asian markets
For Asia, this digital revolution presents both opportunities and challenges. With a diverse array of economic conditions and levels of technology adoption, the region may particularly benefit from self-sovereign identity systems.
These decentralised platforms empower individuals to manage their own identities, which can alleviate concerns surrounding privacy and government overreach.
Notably, in countries where physical identity infrastructure is still developing, fostering trust becomes essential. Atkin advises that “governments should prioritise data minimisation within identity schemes and avoid mandatory system use,” reflecting a nuanced understanding of citizen apprehensions.
Strategies for CISO and CIO adaptation
CISOs and CIOs must be proactive in adapting their security frameworks to accommodate these emerging identity models. As digital identities become more prevalent, the risk of cyber threats escalates.
Strategic investments in robust security measures, including encryption and user authentication, will be crucial to safeguarding citizen data.
Moreover, digital identity vendors should design platforms flexible enough to support various identity scheme designs, tailored to specific country-level conditions. This adaptability will be essential as governments worldwide continue to explore decentralised solutions.
As the digital identity landscape evolves, security leaders in Asia must embrace innovation while remaining vigilant against threats, ensuring that as identity systems expand, they do so securely and trustworthily.
