A cryptographic session key is utilized to maintain security of a digital
identity. The session key is valid only for a limited period of time.
Additional security is provided via a bimodal credential allowing
different levels of access to the digital identify. An identity token
contains pertinent information associated with the digital identity. The
identity token is encrypted utilizing public-key cryptography. An
identifier utilized to verify the validity of the digital identity is
encrypted with the cryptographic session key. The encrypted identity
token and the encrypted identifier are provided to a service for example.
The service decrypts the encrypted identity token utilizing public key
cryptography, and decrypts, with the cryptographic session key obtained
from the identity token, the encrypted identifier. If the identifier is
determined to be valid, the transaction proceeds normally. If the
identifier is determined to be invalid, the transaction is halted.