FIDO2

Passwords have long overstayed their welcome. They’re reused, forgotten, written on sticky notes, and routinely leaked. And yet, for most systems, they remain the default.

FIDO2 offers a way out – not through incremental improvement, but by removing the password altogether. It relies on public key cryptography, ties credentials to devices, and ensures that no shared secret ever crosses the wire. In practice, that means phishing resistance, fewer attack surfaces, and fewer support tickets about “reset links not working.”

This glossary entry takes a closer look at how FIDO2 replaces the password – not just supplements it. Not theoretical, not future tech, but a smarter default that was long overdue.

Passwordless Authentication via FIDO2

At a time when password-protected online accounts and systems are repeatedly targeted by brute force, password spraying, and credential stuffing attacks, the idea of passwordless login is becoming increasingly important. Solutions that do not require a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters are already available. Furthermore, the propensity of individuals to utilize identical passwords across various accounts significantly heightens the risk of security breaches. Given the growing concerns over security and efficiency, it’s becoming increasingly clear that IT experts are shifting away from traditional passwords.

The introduction of FIDO (Fast Identity Online) standards represents a crucial turning point in the evolution of authentication methods. FIDO, and its subsequent iteration FIDO2, aimed to eliminate the reliance on passwords altogether. By leveraging public key cryptography, FIDO2. using open standards, enables secure and convenient authentication without the need for passwords. This represents a paradigm shift in digital security, offering a robust solution that addresses the shortcomings of traditional authentication methods. FIDO2’s ability to provide strong, passwordless authentication has the potential to revolutionize the way we secure our online interactions. This is a forward-looking method, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to protect employee access, business applications, and customer interfaces more effectively while increasing user convenience.

What is FIDO2?

FIDO2, crafted through the collaboration of the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), offers a compelling solution for modern security needs. By establishing an open standard for passwordless authentication, FIDO2 not only simplifies user access but also significantly enhances security measures. Essentially, the FIDO2 standard consists of two parts that work together to ensure seamless, strong authentication across a wide range of devices and platforms:

1. WebAuthn (Web Authentication API): A programming interface (API) that browsers and web applications use to enable passwordless login. It provides a standardized way for browsers and other user agents to interact with authenticators, such as security keys, biometric sensors, and mobile devices by using public-key cryptography. This interoperability ensures that FIDO2 can be widely adopted and implemented across different environments.
2. CTAP (Client to Authenticator Protocol): As a communication protocol, CTAP regulates the interaction between a client for instance, a web browser or an operating system, in conjunction with a FIDO2 authenticator such as a hardware token. CTAP allows authenticators to interact with the user’s device, enabling secure and user-friendly authentication experiences. The most common implementation of CTAP is CTAP2, which supports a variety of authenticators, including USB security keys, NFC devices, and Bluetooth-enabled devices (e.g. BLE or Bluetooth Low Energy).

Together, these components enable strong, cryptographically secure passwordless authentication, where users use a physical key, a smartphone, or built-in biometric authentication methods instead of a password. The standard is open source, vendor-independent, and is now supported by most browsers (including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari) and operating systems.

How does FIDO2 Work?

To better understand how FIDO2 achieves its high security standards and user-friendliness it is imperative that we examine the technical aspects of its functionality. At its core, FIDO2 uses asymmetric cryptography (challenge-response method) to securely process login data. But before you can conveniently authenticate yourself without traditional passwords, you need to complete an initial setup.

Registration (Setup)

In the course of the registration process, it is incumbent upon the authenticator to generate a new key pair, comprising both public and private keys. It then ensures the secure storage of the private key. The public key is then sent to the service and associated with the user’s account.

The user must confirm this setting once using a PIN, fingerprint, or by pressing a button on the security key.

Authentication

For every following authentication, the service creates a random challenge, which is transmitted through its server to the user’s device and the associated client. Subsequently, the device transmits this challenge to the authenticator, which proceeds to sign it utilizing the private key. This process generates a cryptographic signature, ensuring a secure and reliable method of authentication.

This signature, along with the user’s credential identifier, is sent back to the service. The service verifies the signature using the stored public key and checks that the credential identifier matches the registered authenticator. When both checks are completed successfully, the user is fully authenticated.

One of the key advantages of this approach is that the private key never leaves the authenticator. This measure guarantees that, should the communication channel between the device and the service be compromised, an unauthorized party will be unable to acquire the private key. Additionally, the use of a unique key pair for each service means that even if one service is compromised, the security of other services remains intact.

What is a FIDO2 Authenticator?

A FIDO2 authenticator is defined as a device or software application that conforms to the FIDO2 standard, enabling passwordless authentication. This tool generates and stores cryptographic keys and allows access to accounts without entering passwords. They come in various forms.

Biometric authentication

The most popular method of using passkey technology is biometric authentication. This allows users to log in by verifying a biometric feature such as a fingerprint or facial scan. Many mobile phones and modern laptops offer this fast, secure, and convenient option.

Screen lock

On devices without biometric sensors, users can authenticate themselves with a device-specific PIN (or password) or by entering a swipe pattern to access their accounts. Many older mobile devices without integrated biometric functions are based on this logic. Nevertheless, it offers a secure and accessible authentication process.

Physical FIDO2 security keys

FIDO2 security keys (FIDO2 keys), sometimes referred to simply as hardware tokens, are physical external devices. By connecting seamlessly to the corresponding end device through USB, NFC, or Bluetooth, these offer a compelling advantage: password-free login. Well-known examples are YubiKeys. Security key owners authenticate themselves by inserting the key into the device or pressing a button on the key, often in combination with a PIN for additional protection. Some keys even have biometric sensors (e.g., fingerprint sensors) that combine the security of hardware authentication with the convenience of biometrics.

How FIDO2 Enhances Security and User Experience

FIDO2 significantly enhances security by addressing many of the common vulnerabilities associated with traditional authentication methods. In addition to the pure security aspects, there are also many positive arguments in terms of solution integration into existing systems and user-friendliness. The most important features are:

• Passwordless operation: Users no longer need a password to log in to web and app services.
• Phishing protection: The authenticator is registered specifically for the domain that was accessed during setup. This means that it cannot be tricked into signing on a fake website. There are also no passwords that could be stolen.
• Strong cryptography: All processes are based on proven asymmetric algorithms (private and public key) and modularity, which offers high resistance to attacks. Data transfers cannot be interrupted or reused.
• User-friendliness: Easy operation is ensured via hardware tokens, biometrics (fingerprint, face scan) or smartphone apps. Users no longer face the challenge of having to remember lots of complex passwords.
• Increased customer satisfaction: The convenience of passwordless authentication can lead to higher user satisfaction and engagement, as well as reduced support costs for businesses. Moreover, the flexibility of FIDO2 allows users to choose the authentication method that best suits their needs, further enhancing the overall experience.
• Two-factor authentication: By combining different authentication factors, such as biometrics and security keys, users can achieve an even higher level of security. This layered approach makes it much more difficult for attackers to compromise accounts, as they would need to bypass multiple security measures.
• Interoperability: Standardized interfaces guarantee compatibility between different devices, browsers, and operating systems.
• Decentralized key management: The private key is only stored locally. There is no need to collect all login data in a central database, which would be valuable to attackers in the event of a data leak. The isolation of credentials provides a significant security enhancement over traditional password-based systems.

Summarized, the combination of robust security and user-friendly authentication methods makes FIDO2 a compelling choice for organizations looking to enhance their security posture while providing a positive user experience.

What Advantages does FIDO2 Offer Over Password Authentication?

The advantages of FIDO2 over traditional passwords are manifold, addressing both security concerns and user experience. One of the most significant benefits is the elimination of password-related vulnerabilities. Passwords are prone to various attacks, including phishing, password guessing, and credential stuffing. FIDO2’s use of public key cryptography ensures that there are no shared secrets that can be stolen or reused, effectively mitigating these risks.

In addition, many IT tickets in companies revolve around forgotten passwords, which often still have to be reset manually. Employees log in using a security key (FIDO2 key) and no longer need to reset their passwords.

From a user perspective, FIDO2 provides an authentication experience that is both seamless and convenient. It is no longer necessary for users to recall intricate passwords or administer numerous login credentials. Instead, users may authenticate through sophisticated methods such as biometric verification or the use of security keys. Implementing this approach significantly streamlines the login process while simultaneously minimizing user errors, like choosing weak passwords or succumbing to phishing scams. The outcome is a significantly more secure and user-friendly authentication experience, making it an essential upgrade for individuals aiming to enhance both security and convenience.

FIDO2 offers an exceptional opportunity for businesses and service providers to enhance their operations with scalability and flexibility. By implementing FIDO2, you can significantly cut down on the expenses tied to password management, including costly password resets and support calls. Moreover, FIDO2’s compatibility with a wide range of authenticators empowers organizations to select the most suitable authentication methods that align perfectly with their security needs and usability preferences. This adaptability makes FIDO2 an attractive solution for a wide range of applications, from enterprise environments to consumer-facing services.

Plus, FIDO2 is easy to integrate into existing systems. Lots of web services and identity providers, like Engity, already support WebAuthn out of the box. For in-house apps, there are libraries and plug-ins.

In industries with high compliance requirements, such as financial services or healthcare, FIDO2 scores particularly well thanks to its modern security standards, giving it a competitive edge.

Challenges and Considerations in Implementing FIDO2

FIDO2 presents a wealth of benefits that can significantly enhance security and user experience. However, it’s crucial for organizations to recognize and tackle the challenges and considerations that come with implementing this technology. Ensuring compatibility with existing systems and infrastructure is one of the most critical challenges. Organizations may need to update their applications and services to support FIDO2 authentication. This can involve modifying web applications to integrate the WebAuthn API and ensuring that authenticators are properly supported.

User education and awareness are also critical factors in the successful adoption of FIDO2. Users need to understand the benefits of passwordless authentication and how to use FIDO2 authenticators effectively. Organizations may need to provide training and resources to help users transition from traditional password-based systems to FIDO2. Additionally, there may be a learning curve for users who are unfamiliar with biometric authentication or security keys.

For users, this means that they always need access to the authenticator, which is usually located on their smartphone, in order to authenticate themselves.

Another consideration is the cost and logistics of deploying FIDO2 authenticators. While many modern devices, such as smartphones and laptops, come with built-in biometric sensors, some users may require external security keys (e.g. Yubikeys). Organizations will need to evaluate the costs associated with providing company smartphones (if not available yet) or other hardware tokens to users and ensure that they are available and accessible. Additionally, there may be regulatory and compliance considerations, particularly in industries such as healthcare and finance. In these industries, ensuring data security and data protection is of paramount importance.

How to Get Started with FIDO2

For organizations looking to implement FIDO2, the first step is to assess their current authentication methods and identify areas for improvement. This involves evaluating the security and usability of existing systems and determining how FIDO2 can address any shortcomings. Organizations should also consider the specific needs and preferences of their users, as this will influence the choice of authenticators and authentication methods.

Once the assessment is complete, organizations can begin the process of integrating FIDO2 into their applications and services. This involves implementing the WebAuthn API in web applications and ensuring compatibility with various authenticators. Organizations may need to work with developers and IT teams to update their systems and ensure that FIDO2 is properly supported. Furthermore, conducting thorough testing is crucial to guarantee a seamless integration. This step ensures that users can authenticate without any issues.

To facilitate user adoption, organizations should provide clear instructions and resources on how to use FIDO2 authenticators. This may include creating user guides, offering training sessions, and providing support for any questions or issues that arise. Communication is key to ensuring a smooth transition, and organizations should emphasize the benefits of FIDO2, such as enhanced security and convenience.

Conclusion: The Future Trajectory of Secure Authentication - Moving Beyond FIDO2

As we look to the future of secure authentication, it is clear that FIDO2 represents a significant step forward. FIDO2 presents a compelling solution to the challenges of digital security by eliminating the reliance on passwords and utilizing strong cryptographic methods. This approach not only augments security measures but also streamlines the user experience, rendering it both robust and user-friendly. However, the evolution of authentication methods does not stop with FIDO2. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further innovations that build upon the foundations laid by FIDO2.

One potential area of development is the integration of FIDO2 with emerging technologies such as blockchain and decentralized identity. These technologies have the potential to further enhance the security and privacy of authentication systems by providing additional layers of protection and ensuring that users have greater control over their data. Additionally, advancements in biometric authentication, such as improved facial recognition and behavioral biometrics, may provide even more secure and convenient authentication methods.

The future of secure authentication will also be shaped by the growing importance of user-centric approaches. This development will put pressure on organizations to prioritize user experience and ensure that their authentication systems are not only effective but also easy to use. By continuing to innovate and adapt, we can move towards a future where secure authentication is seamless, intuitive, and accessible to all.

In conclusion, FIDO2 is revolutionizing passwordless authentication by providing a secure, convenient, and scalable solution to the challenges of digital security. Its use of public key cryptography, support for various authenticators, and focus on user experience make it a compelling choice for organizations and users alike. While there are challenges to overcome, the benefits of FIDO2 are clear, and its adoption is likely to continue growing. As we look to the future, the advancements and innovations inspired by FIDO2 will pave the way for even more secure and user-friendly authentication methods, ensuring that our digital interactions remain safe and protected.