What is digital fingerprinting?

and how the blockchain protects digital assets

An Attestiv fingerprint is a unique identifier that is calculated using the bits from either a file or a data stream.  When we create a fingerprint of a digital asset like a photo, video, document or piece of data, we then put the fingerprint in a blockchain. The original asset, like a photo, associated with the fingerprint is not stored with the fingerprint on the blockchain.

Why Blockchain?

The goal of blockchain is to allow digital information to be recorded and distributed, but not edited.

What is Blockchain?

A blockchain is a growing list of records, called blocks, that are linked together using cryptography. Each block contains:

  • a cryptographic hash of the previous block
  • a timestamp
  • transaction data

The timestamp proves that the transaction data existed when the block was published to get into its hash. As blocks each contain information about the block previous to it, they form a chain, with each additional block reinforcing the ones before it.¹

The benefit of Blockchain storage

Once blockchain information is recorded, the data in any given block cannot be altered retroactively without altering all of the following blocks in the chain. In this way, a blockchain is the foundation for immutable ledgers, or records of transactions that cannot be altered, deleted, or destroyed.

At Attestiv, we are able to secure data by fingerprinting each item to the blockchain to prevent potential inside and outside threats.²

Today there are few practical and accessible blockchain applications on the market, Attestiv in this regard is ahead of the curve, and it has the potential to make a major impact in the insurance sector” says Alan Pelz-Sharpe, founder of Deep Analysis.

Attestiv Blockchain validation

Our real-time verification informs viewers of the authenticity of their digital media asset on our Dashboard. Watch the dashboard video overview >

Attestiv dashboard example screen

Understanding the Fingerprint Status

Authentic

verified checkmarkThe green checkmark indicates that the item, like a photo, was fingerprinted at the time of capture. This can take place when a customer takes a photo through an app that has been connected to Attestiv via API or through an Attestiv mobile workflow. Through this method, we are able to gather and confirm the details associated with the item like time, date and location.

Imported

imported checkmarkThe yellow checkmark tells us that this item has been imported into the Attestiv system versus being fingerprinted at the time of capture (which results in the green checkmark).

Altered

 

rejected checkmark statusThe red X denotes an unvalidated, not fingerprinted or unauthentic image or other digital media item. Items with red x’s should be rejected completely and/or investigated internally to ensure they are safe for use.

Summary

Using blockchain as a system of record for fingerprinting media at the point of capture or after AI-based forensic analysis, Attestiv offers a foundational platform for any organization reliant on digital photos, videos and documents.

Attestiv helps industries such as insurance accelerate digital transformation, reducing the threat of fraud from deepfakes and media alterations. Furthermore, Attestiv fills a growing need for self-service and remote operations.

Learn more about validation and fingerprinting by trying the demo for yourself.

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockchain
  2. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/blockchain.asp
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Attestiv provides authenticity and validation for digital photos, videos and documents using patented tamper-proofing blockchain technology and AI analysis. 

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Nicos Vekiarides

Nicos Vekiarides

Nicos Vekiarides is the Chief Executive Officer & co-founder of Attestiv. He has spent the past 20+ years in enterprise IT and cloud, as a CEO & entrepreneur, bringing innovative new technologies to market. His previous startup, TwinStrata, an innovative cloud storage company where he pioneered cloud-integrated storage for the enterprise, was acquired by EMC in 2014. Before that, he brought to market the industry’s first storage virtualization appliance for StorageApps, a company later acquired by HP.

Nicos holds 6 technology patents in storage, networking and cloud technology and has published numerous articles on new technologies. Nicos is a partner at Mentors Fund, an early-stage venture fund, a mentor at Founder Institute Boston, where he coaches first-time entrepreneurs, and an advisor to several companies. Nicos holds degrees from MIT and Carnegie Mellon University.

Mark Morley

Mark Morley is the Chief Operating Officer of Attestiv.

He received his formative Data Integrity training at Deloitte. Served as the CFO of Iomega (NYSE), the international manufacturer of Zip storage devices, at the time,  the second fastest-growing public company in the U.S.. He served as the CFO of Encore Computer (NASDAQ) as it grew from Revenue of $2 million to over $200 million. During “Desert Storm”, Mark was required to hold the highest U.S. and NATO clearances.

Mark authored a seminal article on Data Integrity online (Wall Street Journal Online). Additionally, he served as EVP, General Counsel and CFO at Digital Guardian, a high-growth cybersecurity company.

Earlier in his career, he worked at an independent insurance agency, Amica as a claims representative, and was the CEO of the captive insurance subsidiary of a NYSE company.

He obtained Bachelor (Economics) and Doctor of Law degrees from Boston College and is a graduate of Harvard Business School.