The COVID-19 pandemic brought about many changes to business operations across various industries. Some of the severely affected industries amid the pandemic were the travel and sharing-living sectors. Governments in different countries have imposed travel restrictions and physical distancing to limit the spread of the virus. It has caused airlines, hotels, room-sharing providers, and other businesses to operate at a reduced capacity until quarantine protocols are lifted.
There were also changes in consumer behavior during the pandemic that highlighted the importance of a seamless user experience as well as data security when using online services. Travelers are more inclined to choose local destinations today since many countries have closed or restricted entry to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These changes also paved the way for new trends to emerge in the travel industry, which service providers should be able to adapt to.
One of the rising trends today is the use of sharing economy platforms that became increasingly popular as local travel destinations became more sought-after. They are a great choice in these times because they offer reduced health risks from the pandemic. Along with this comes the popularity of RV sharing platforms, peer-to-peer vehicle sharing, and apartment or home-sharing among travelers.
However, a weak cybersecurity system can threaten business operations of sharing economy platforms. The reliance on knowledge-based authentication like passwords and security questions increases susceptibility to data breaches. Identity verification is a critical part of travel, particularly during the pandemic. Today, authentication requirements that solely do not rely on passwords are more reliable in ensuring data safety.
The pandemic will continue to influence how businesses can function without compromising the health and safety of their users. Enterprises must consider new methods and innovations on identity authentication to accurately confirm and verify an individual’s claimed identity.
Here is an infographic from authID to learn more about the need for identity certainty in travel.
