As we dive headfirst into a new digital era, it’s becoming increasingly important that we each take extra measures to protect our online identities. Today, so much of our lives — communication, entertainment, travel — rely on digital technology, and using that tech often requires us to provide data about ourselves. While this is typically a necessary exchange for access, with more traditional technologies, people become subject to identity theft and this creates barriers for both them and the service providers to offer the most seamless experience. After all, the way we authenticate today is based on information “challenges,” and they are called challenges for a reason.

Blockchain technology is bringing about a more secure and convenient solution, and Civic is at the forefront of this revolution when it comes to digital identity. Just think of the Civic app as a digital wallet that bridges your physical and cyber credentials—it will eventually be able to hold not just your verified ID docs, but also ticket information, credit cards, passwords, and other types of personal information you use on a regular basis. But unlike a traditional wallet, information stored on the mobile device is secured with blockchain attestations, encrypted, accessible with biometrics and usable only with independently verifiable attestations, so you can rest assured that even if you lose your device, it becomes incredibly difficult for anything bad to happen to your data.

Let’s say you’re planning a vacation:

You’ll probably start by browsing a few websites, then booking your flight, hotel, and tours online. When you make these reservations through a Civic partner, they send you a request so you can provide the information they need via your Civic app on your device. If you don’t have your information already in there, no need to worry, you can get verified on the spot in less than 5 minutes.

As you head out for your much-anticipated vacation, you can use the same mobile device with the Civic app to board your plane, check in to your hotel, and explore your new destination. And instead of pulling out your credit cards and ID at every check-in station along the way, all you’ll need is the device to verify that you are who you say you are. This makes it easier and more convenient than ever to get from point A to point B (and back to point A, and if you really enjoy yourself, back to point B).

Engaging in the online world doesn’t have to be risky or complicated. With Civic, you get full control over your digital identity, so you can have a friction-free experience while keeping your data safe and sound.