Primary definition
Information which unambiguously distinguishes an entity in the authentication process. Source: FIPS PUB 196
Also known asdistinguishing identifier (DI) · unique identifier · unique user identifier · user identifier (UID) · distinguishing ID · distinguishing identifier (DID) · distinguishing identifier (D-ID) · distinguishing identifier (DID) - authentication · unique authentication identifier · entity identifier · identifier (ID)
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
— Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source
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CNSSGC
Information which unambiguously distinguishes an entity in the authentication process. Source: FIPS PUB 196
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Distinguishing Identifier. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/distinguishing-identifier
Sources
2 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026
01
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
High consensus
02
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
Multi-source
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