What is FIDO2? FIDO 2 Explained

FIDO2 is an authentication standard that enables users to log in to applications, either mobile or desktop, without using passwords. Imagine logging into your favorite site without typing a password, simply by using your fingerprint or face recognition for example.

This is what FIDO2 aims to achieve: simpler, more secure authentication.

It was developed by FIDO Alliance, an organization formed in 2012 to develop better authentication standards and remove humanity's reliance on passwords.

FIDO2 has two main components: WebAuthn and CTAP2.

WebAuthn, which was developed in collaboration with the W3C, is an API that allows online services to integrate FIDO2 authentication, while CTAP2 stands for Client to Authenticator Protocol 2 and is employed for communication between the authenticators and the client devices.

How Does FIDO2 Work?

FIDO2 provides passwordless, secure login based on a public-private key pair. When a user registers with a service, their device generates these keys, storing the private key securely and sending the public key to the service.

During login, the service sends a challenge, which is signed by the private key and verified using the public key

• Key Generation: Generates public-private key pairs during user registration.

• Challenge-Response: The service sends a challenge, signed by the private key and verified with the public key.

• No Passwords: Users authenticate via biometrics or security keys, eliminating the need for passwords.

FIDO2 vs U2F vs UAF

To understand how FIDO2 differs from older protocols like U2F and UAF.

FIDO2, U2F, and UAF are various standards developed by the FIDO Alliance to further improve authentication online. Here is a definition of each and how they differ:

• FIDO2 enables fully passwordless authentication, using public-private key pairs, offering a better security standard with seamless user experiences.

• U2F is an older protocol, which translates to Universal 2nd Factor, designed to add a second factor to traditional passwords, not eliminating passwords.

• UAF stands for Universal Authentication Framework and was aimed at passwordless login based primarily on biometrics, but without the versatility and adoption that FIDO2 provides today.

The table below provides a clear overview of the differences between these protocols, illustrating how FIDO2 builds on the strengths of U2F and UAF to deliver a more versatile and secure authentication experience:

FIDO2 vs. FIDO1

While FIDO1 is not a term, it's mostly used to encompass the original U2F and UAF protocols; both add a strong second factor to existing passwords or enable passwordless login with biometric capabilities.

FIDO2 builds on these by providing fully passwordless authentication through the WebAuthn API and the Client to Authenticator Protocol 2 (CTAP2).

Is FIDO2 the Same as Passkeys?

No, FIDO2 and passkeys are not the same, though they are closely connected. Passkeys are cryptographic key pairs used within the FIDO2 standard to enable passwordless authentication.

In other words, FIDO2 is the framework that supports passwordless login, while passkeys are the mechanism allowing users to authenticate securely without passwords.

FIDO2 as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

FIDO2 can also be used as a form of MFA, adding a layer of security beyond passwords. In FIDO2 as multi-factor authentication, users combine multiple authentication factors, such as a biometric with a hardware security key or another trusted device.

This greatly enhances security by making account compromise much more difficult since an attacker would need to have access to both the device and the biometric or security key.

Advantages of FIDO 2

FIDO2 features several key benefits that make it a strong alternative to traditional authentication methods:

• Improved Security: FIDO2 uses public-private key cryptography, eliminating passwords and protecting against phishing, replay, and credential theft attacks.

• User-Friendly: Provides users with a smooth login experience using biometrics or security keys, removing the hassle of password management.

• Broad Platform and Device Support: FIDO2 is widely adopted across major platforms, browsers, and devices, providing broad compatibility for both users and service providers.

• Flexible Authentication Options: FIDO2 supports various types of authenticators, such as security keys, mobile devices, and biometrics, that can serve diverse user preferences and security needs.

• Industry Standard Compliance: FIDO2 adheres to strict industry standards, enhancing trust and adoption in various sectors.

Disadvantages of FIDO2

• Device dependency: FIDO2 relies on users having access to a specific device, like security keys or even smartphones. Losing or misplacing the device can result in difficulty accessing accounts.

• Implementation complexity: FIDO2 integration demands changes in back-end infrastructure, which can be overwhelming for some organizations.

• Limited Awareness and Adoption: Despite offering security advantages, FIDO2 does not have universal awareness and is not widely adopted by users. User education and awareness campaigns can help bridge this gap.

• Compatibility Gaps: Although FIDO2 is widely supported, some older devices and systems do not support the standard, which can create inconsistencies for users with diverse technology.

All these disadvantages can be mitigated using solutions like OwnID, which offers seamless device management, broad compatibility, and easy recovery options, making FIDO2 adoption smoother and more accessible.

Getting Started with FIDO2 Implementation

Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have embraced FIDO2 for its security and convenience, now is the perfect time to get started with it too.

Here is how you get started with it:

• Integrate WebAuthn API: First, integrate the WebAuthn API into your application for secure and passwordless login via browsers and operating systems.

• Secure Key Storage Setup: Ensure that your server infrastructure can store public keys securely along with user credential registration mechanisms.

• Choose User-Friendly Authenticators: Implement the use of biometrics, mobile devices, or hardware security keys to make the authenticators more user-friendly.

• Compatibility Testing: It must be tested for compatibility on different devices and platforms to ensure that the solution provides a seamless user experience.

• Use a Ready Solution: For a quicker implementation, consider using a service like OwnID, which provides a comprehensive passkey solution that simplifies FIDO2 integration while enhancing security and usability.

Conclusion

FIDO2 represents a significant leap in secure authentication, offering stronger alternatives compared to passwords through the use of passkeys and cryptographic protocols.

Any organization can enhance its security with FIDO2 and achieve an increase in user experience.

While implementing FIDO2 comes with some challenges, such as integration complexity and device dependency, its clearly defined specifications and strong support from tech giants are paving the way for a passwordless future that is both secure and user-friendly.

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