Abstract: A system (“eVault”) securely stores personal data and documents for citizens and allows controlled access by citizens and optionally by service providers. The eVault may be adapted to allow processes involving the documents to be carried out in a secure and paperless fashion. Documents are certified, and biometric matching is used for security. On effecting a match to a biometric identifier presented by a user, the user is allowed access to their personal eVault and to a personal cryptographic key stored there. One or more of these personal keys may be securely applied within the eVault to generate an electronic signature, amongst other functions.

Abstract: An authentication system and method are described. The system includes a plurality of nodes in a networked architecture, the nodes being adapted to securely communicate with one another. At least one of the nodes is adapted to store a biometric identifier uniquely associated with a user, the stored identifier being used to authenticate the identity of a subsequently provided biometric sample at another of the nodes in the network. The use of a trusted network enables the authentication of users for partner application without compromising the authenticity or identity of a user's biometric sample.