Glossary of Identity & Web3 Terms

UnbreakableID uses open standards and decentralized technologies. This glossary explains the key concepts in plain language, so you can understand how they fit together.

Identity Concepts

Digital Credential

A cryptographically signed proof of identity or attribute (e.g., age, membership, NFT ownership). Anchored to a blockchain address and stored in your UbID Vault.

UbID Vault

A secure app where users store and manage their credentials. It works alongside your Web3 wallet, keeping identity and transactions separate.

Issuer / Holder / Verifier

  • Issuer: Creates and signs credentials (e.g., a bank, DAO, or university).
  • Holder: The user who stores credentials in their UbID Vault.
  • Verifier: A dApp or institution that requests and checks credentials

Decentralized Identifier (DID)

A unique identity key anchored to a blockchain address. It replaces usernames and passwords with cryptographic proofs.

Verifiable Credential (VC)

A digital credential issued by a trusted entity, cryptographically signed, and verifiable by apps or institutions.

Zero‑Knowledge Proof (ZKP)

A method to prove something is true without revealing the underlying details. Example: prove you’re over 18 without sharing your birthdate.

 

OID4VC (OpenID for Verifiable Credentials)

A global standard for issuing and verifying credentials in a secure, interoperable way.

 

SD‑JWT (Selective Disclosure JSON Web Token)

A credential format that lets users share only the attributes they choose.

 

Blockchain Address

A unique identifier on a blockchain (e.g., Stacks address or Bitcoin address). UbID credentials are anchored to these addresses for traceability.

Wallet

A tool for signing transactions and managing assets. With UbID, wallets never expose identity data — they only sign transactions once credentials are verified.

dApp (Decentralized Application)

An application built on blockchain. dApps can request credentials from UbID Vault to verify identity without accessing wallets.

DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization)

A blockchain‑based community that often requires identity checks to prevent bot voting or Sybil attacks.

NFT (Non‑Fungible Token)

A unique digital asset. UbID credentials can prove ownership without exposing wallet history.

Trust Framework

A set of rules and standards that define how credentials are issued, verified, and revoked. Ensures interoperability and compliance.

Revocation

The process of marking a credential invalid. Verifier apps automatically reject revoked credentials.

 
 

Compliance Standards

UbID supports GDPR, eIDAS 2.0, and the Travel Rule, ensuring institutions meet global regulatory requirements.

Need more terms?

Our documentation covers every technical detail, or you can speak directly with our engineering team.