What is FIDO2?

FIDO2 is a modern authentication standard developed by the FIDO Alliance in collaboration with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It aims to eliminate the reliance on traditional passwords and improve the security of digital services by using more secure and user-friendly methods of login. FIDO2 allows users to log in to websites and applications using biometric data (such as fingerprints or facial recognition), hardware security keys or PIN codes stored locally on the device. 

This technology is based on a principle of public key cryptography, where login credentials never leave the user's device or are sent over the internet. This means that even if a hacker compromises a service, they will not be able to access the user's login details. FIDO2 is one of the most secure authentication solutions available today and is supported by major companies like Google, Microsoft and Apple.

Components and function of FIDO2

FIDO2 consists of two main components: WebAuthn and CTAP (Client-to-Authenticator Protocol). WebAuthn enables password-free login in web browsers, while CTAP allows external security keys to act as authenticators on computers and smartphones.

When a user registers with FIDO2, a unique key pair is generated - a private key that remains secure on the device and a public key that is stored with the service. The login process takes place in five steps:

1. Authentication is activated: the user chooses to log in to a service that supports FIDO2.
2. WebAuthn requests authentication: The website sends a request to the user's device to verify identity.
3. Local authentication: The user verifies themselves with a biometric sensor (fingerprint or face), a security key or a PIN code.
4. Encrypted verification: The private key is used to generate a unique digital signature that is sent to the service.
5. Access is granted: If the signature matches the stored public key, the user's identity is verified and login is completed.

This process ensures that login credentials remain protected and cannot be intercepted or misused by hackers.

Application areas for FIDO2

FIDO2 is widely used in both private and business solutions. Major online services such as Google, Microsoft and Facebook offer FIDO2 login to increase security for users. Companies use the technology to protect employee accounts and reduce the risk of cyberattacks based on weak passwords.

In the financial sector, FIDO2 is being implemented to protect bank accounts and secure transactions, while healthcare organisations use it to protect patient data. Cloud services like Dropbox and AWS also offer FIDO2 integration, making it possible to secure accounts without the need for traditional passwords.

Benefits of FIDO2

FIDO2 brings a number of significant advantages compared to traditional login methods:

• Eliminates passwords: Users no longer need to remember complex passwords or worry about them being stolen in a data breach.
• High security: With public key cryptography and local storage of login information, the risk of phishing, brute force attacks and password leaks is drastically reduced.
• Ease of use: Logging in with biometric data or security keys is faster and easier than entering long passwords.
• Broad support: Major tech companies support FIDO2, making it possible to use this authentication across devices and platforms.
• Protection against phishing: Because FIDO2 authentication is tied to the specific service a user logs into, attackers cannot trick users into revealing their login details on fake websites.

Limitations of FIDO2

While FIDO2 is a strong security solution, it also has some limitations:

• Compatibility: Not all websites and services support FIDO2 yet, which means users still have to use traditional passwords on some platforms.
• Hardware dependency: Biometric sensors and security keys require compatible devices, which can limit adoption.
• Loss of access method: If a user loses their security key or access to their biometric device without a backup option, they could be locked out of their account.
• Implementation challenges: Organisations must ensure proper integration of FIDO2 to avoid user experience issues and ensure wide adoption.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions