RIVR Phase 3: Biometric Attack Detection Focus

Published Date : 8/1/2025 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Remote Identity Validation Rally (RIVR) is advancing to its third phase, focusing on presentation attack detection to combat identity fraud. 

The year-long Remote Identity Validation Rally (RIVR) challenge series, hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), is entering its third phase, focusing on presentation attack detection. This phase aims to enhance the security of biometric identity verification technology by addressing the threat of presentation attacks, which can include the use of high-resolution photographs, displays, face masks, and other techniques to impersonate individuals.

Where the first phase of RIVR focused on fraud detection in selfie-to-document biometrics matching, and the second phase on authenticating identity documents, the third phase is specifically designed to combat presentation attacks. These attacks can enable various types of identity fraud, including human trafficking, financial fraud, and identity theft. Onboarding processes are a key area of focus, as the new phase challenges the private sector to develop secure, accurate, and user-friendly technologies that can combat identity fraud when users apply for government services, open bank accounts, or verify social media accounts.

The RIVR program was developed in collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Homeland Security Investigations Forensic Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Jason Lim, tech counselor for TSA Administrator, emphasizes the importance of addressing evolving risks associated with presentation attacks. 'While digital IDs represent improvements in identity security and user experience, they also present different threat vectors for bad actors. As a stakeholder in the emerging digital ID space, TSA believes that our ongoing partnership with DHS S&T is critical to understanding and mitigating these evolving risks for both enrollment and verification.'

Arun Vemury, S&T senior engineering advisor for identity technologies, highlights the significance of public-private collaboration. 'DHS S&T and its interagency partners are providing their expertise in developing challenging evaluations, and industry is demonstrating its ingenuity to develop technologies that strengthen the security and efficiency of online digital transactions for both government and commercial use cases. We’re all working towards building a more secure and trusted future for the American people.'

The results of the testing in this phase will inform new standards, test protocols, and requirements for U.S. agencies, international partners, and other stakeholders. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the overall security and reliability of biometric identity verification systems, ensuring that they can effectively detect and prevent presentation attacks and other forms of identity fraud. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the Remote Identity Validation Rally (RIVR)?

A: The Remote Identity Validation Rally (RIVR) is a year-long challenge series hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to test and improve biometric identity verification technology.

Q: What is the focus of RIVR's third phase?

A: The third phase of RIVR focuses on presentation attack detection, which involves identifying and preventing fraudsters from using high-resolution photographs, displays, face masks, and other techniques to impersonate individuals.

Q: Why is onboarding a target for improvement in this phase?

A: Onboarding processes are targeted for improvement because they are critical points where identity fraud can occur, such as when users apply for government services, open bank accounts, or verify social media accounts.

Q: Who are the key partners in the RIVR program?

A: The key partners in the RIVR program include the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Homeland Security Investigations Forensic Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Q: How will the results of RIVR's testing be used?

A: The results of RIVR's testing will inform new standards, test protocols, and requirements for U.S. agencies, international partners, and other stakeholders, enhancing the security and reliability of biometric identity verification systems. 

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