Table of Contents
FIDO2
Return to Passkeys Web Authentication (WebAuthn)
Overview
FIDO2 is a set of standards that enables passwordless authentication using hardware security keys and biometrics. It aims to provide a more secure and user-friendly alternative to traditional passwords. FIDO2 is based on two main specifications:
- **Web Authentication (WebAuthn):** A W3C standard that defines a browser API for interacting with FIDO2 authenticators.
- **Client to Authenticator Protocol (CTAP):** A FIDO Alliance specification that defines the communication protocol between the client device and the authenticator.
Key Features
- **Passwordless Authentication:** FIDO2 eliminates the need for passwords, reducing the risk of phishing and password-related attacks.
- **Stronger Security:** FIDO2 uses public key cryptography and hardware-based authentication to provide a high level of security.
- **User Convenience:** FIDO2 allows users to authenticate with a simple touch or biometric gesture.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility:** FIDO2 is designed to work across different platforms and devices.
Benefits
- **Improved Security:** FIDO2 significantly reduces the risk of phishing, password reuse, and other password-related attacks.
- **Enhanced User Experience:** FIDO2 provides a convenient and user-friendly authentication experience.
- **Reduced Costs:** FIDO2 can help reduce the costs associated with password resets and account recovery.
- **Increased Productivity:** FIDO2 can improve productivity by eliminating the need for users to remember and enter passwords.
Resources
- **FIDO Alliance:** s://fidoalliance.org/fido2/(https://fidoalliance.org/fido2/)
- **Web Authentication (WebAuthn):** s://www.w3.org/TR/webauthn/(https://www.w3.org/TR/webauthn/)
- **Client to Authenticator Protocol (CTAP):** [invalid URL removed]
- Snippet from Wikipedia: FIDO Alliance
The FIDO ("Fast IDentity Online") Alliance is an open industry association launched in February 2013 whose stated mission is to develop and promote authentication standards that "help reduce the world’s over-reliance on passwords". FIDO addresses the lack of interoperability among devices that use strong authentication and reduces the problems users face creating and remembering multiple usernames and passwords.
FIDO supports a full range of authentication technologies, including biometrics such as fingerprint and iris scanners, voice and facial recognition, as well as existing solutions and communications standards, such as Trusted Platform Modules (TPM), USB security tokens, embedded Secure Elements (eSE), smart cards, and near-field communication (NFC). The USB security token device may be used to authenticate using a simple password (e.g. four-digit PIN) or by pressing a button. The specifications emphasize a device-centric model. Authentication over an insecure channel happens using public-key cryptography. The user's device registers the user to a server by registering a public key. To authenticate the user, the device signs a challenge from the server using the private key that it holds. The keys on the device are unlocked by a local user gesture such as a biometric or pressing a button.
FIDO provides two types of user experiences depending on which protocol is used. Both protocols define a common interface at the client for whatever local authentication method the user exercises.