What is FIDO?
FIDO (Fast Identity Online) is an open, standard authentication protocol that is designed to eliminate passwords in the future, which are frequently not effective and outdated from a security point of view.
After completing the initial registration procedure and choosing the method they would like to authenticate users sign up to a FIDO-enabled item or service with a simple fingerprint, talk through the mic, gaze through the camera as well as enter the PIN performs. It is dependent on the technology accessible on their smartphone or computer and the method the application or service supports. The majority part of authentication takes place in the background and the users aren’t aware that it’s happening.
The FIDO protocols utilize the standard techniques of public-key cryptography to ensure the user’s authentication. Every communication is encrypted, and the private keys remain on the devices of the users which reduces the chance that anyone could find them while they are being transmitted.
If biometric data can be used for authentication, it’s also stored on users’ devices, making these authentication procedures more reliable and secure.
Fast Identity Online (FIDO) refers to setting open authentication standards that allow the service provider to use existing technologies to provide password-free authentication.
FIDO replaces sharing secrets and passwords by using the use of public-key cryptography. It involves the use of two digital keys: one private one which is secretly stored on the smartphone of the user at the hardware level and an open key saved in the FIDO server.
When you sign up via an online service the client device of the user creates an entirely unique key pairing. It keeps the private key while registering the public key to an online platform. The authentication process is performed by the device that is used to prove that it has your private password to access the online service through the signing of an affidavit. Private keys of the client can only be used after they have been locked from the local device of the person using it. Local unlocking is done through the user using the FIDO2 Security Key or pressing the NFC button on the security key.
What exactly are the advantages of FIDO?
Facilitate the sign-up process for customers by allowing users to swipe their fingers or gaze at the camera to open the application.
Reduce the risk of cyber security breaches with the use of public-key cryptography methods that secure communications during authentication, and also store private keys and biometric data on the devices of users.
To ensure compliance with regulations, you must use protocols designed for widespread usage, which means they are accessible to all and free to adopt, apply and modify. They are also overseen by a group of stakeholders that maintain their standards’ quality and interactivity.
Reduce costs by reducing devices provisioning, password resets, and customer service.
Based on cryptography with public keys (keys remain within the devices)
There are no server-side shared secrets that can be able to
Protects against phishing attacks, man-in-the-middle, and replay attacks
No linking between accounts or services and there is no third-party in the protocol
Lower development/maintenance costs and little-to-no provisioning costs
Speedier times to market more user-friendly and future-proof
Potential damages, and reset costs
Allows Contact (USB A/C) as well as contactless (NFC) usage scenarios
Multi-protocol FIDO U2F, FIDO2, smart card (PIV) and OTP support
Who is using FIDO?
FIDO can help organizations reduce the significant risks of a security breach that is caused by poor passwords or mismanagement of passwords. It lets your business reduce the costs of the provisioning of devices and password resets as well as customer support and other things while ensuring users with a seamless experience.
Healthcare Sector
Insurance Sector
Big companies
Financial services
Government
FIDO uses these protocols that are based upon public-key cryptography:
Universal Authentication Framework (UAF)
Universal Second Factor (U2F)
FIDO2
FIDO standards like FIDO2 and the Universal Authentication Framework (UAF), as well as Universal Second Factor (U2F), are created through the FIDO Alliance which is an industry grouping of tech leaders like Apple, Google, and Microsoft.
Universal Authentication Framework (UAF)
The FIDO UAF protocol permits internet service companies to offer users a password-free sign-on experience for their customers. Multi-factor sign-on is also offered in the event that additional security is required.
To access UAF users need a personal device, for example, a computer or smartphone to register through UAF’s online service. In the process of registering the users will be required to select an option to authenticate them with UAF.
Service providers determine which type of authentication method is suitable and offer an array of options that could include voice or facial authentication, finger reading, or entering the PIN.
If a multi-factor authentication experience is required, users may authenticate with multiple of these choices. After registering, users need not have entered their passwords to sign in, however; instead, they utilize the methods they prefer to authenticate themselves.
Universal Second Factor (U2F)
It is a FIDO U2F protocol that is a complement to traditional password-based security instead of replacing it completely. With U2F users are required to provide two proofs to prove their identity they must provide evidence of something they recognize, such as their username and password
They have something they own something they have, such as a registered USB device, for instance. Security devices are referred to by the name U2F tokens of authentication or security keys. They can utilize USB, NFC (near-field communication), or Bluetooth technology to complete authentication processes. When the security device has activated the browser of the computer connects direct with security devices and grants access to the internet service.
FIDO2
FIDO2 is the name given to the FIDO Alliance’s newest set of specifications. It was developed as a result of an initiative of two organizations: the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
FIDO2 is built with two standards that are open the FIDO Client-to-Authenticator Protocol along with WebAuthn, the W3C Standard WebAuthn. Both of them work together to provide users with an authenticating experience without passwords or multi-factor, two-factor authentication when additional security is needed. This is possible by embedding authenticators, such as biometrics or PINs, and roaming authenticators, such as fobs as well as USB devices.
