FIDO (Fast Identity Online) open standards for secure authentication are set by the FIDO Alliance, who’s members include Google, Microsoft, Mozilla, MasterCard, Visa and PayPal.
The FIDO specification was designed to allow a single authenticator (key, token or device) to be used to secure access to many services, with each service using separate, unique and anonymous authentication codes. This is an extremely scalable model for making use of a high security public and private key-pair architecture, in which the private keys are never shared and can be thoroughly protected within dedicated security hardware in an authenticator.
FIDO’s authentication protocol also enforces the verification of message origin, which makes it thoroughly resistant to phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
U2F (Universal 2nd Factor) was the original FIDO specification which, as the name suggests, was aimed at providing a commonly used means of strong authentication in addition to username and password. By making direct use of widely used standard interfaces (USB, NFC, Bluetooth) FIDO authenticators do not require additional reader hardware.
FIDO2 is the more recent standard, in addition to supporting multi-factor authentication it also provides for secure passwordless multi-factor authentication. U2F specifications are now a part of FIDO2 for backward compatibility of the standard.
Microsoft supports FIDO2 passwordless login, in addition to Window Hello, for Windows 10 with Azure AD. FIDO2 allows roaming passwordless login without the need for a user to have set themselves up to use Windows Hello on the chosen Window 10 machine.
FIDO2 has been adopted by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) within the WebAuthn specification, and has already been implemented by many leading cloud service providers. The corresponding FIDO2 Client-to-Authenticator Protocol (CTAP2), together with WebAuthn, is also supported by the most popular browsers.
As an expert in cybersecurity and authentication protocols, I have a comprehensive understanding of the FIDO (Fast Identity Online) open standards and their significance in ensuring secure authentication. My expertise is grounded in a deep knowledge of cryptographic principles, authentication technologies, and the practical implementations adopted by industry leaders.
The FIDO Alliance, a consortium of major technology and financial companies including Google, Microsoft, Mozilla, MasterCard, Visa, and PayPal, sets the standards for FIDO authentication. The FIDO specification is designed to enable a single authenticator, whether it be a key, token, or device, to secure access to multiple services. What sets FIDO apart is its use of a high-security public and private key-pair architecture, where private keys are never shared and can be securely stored within dedicated hardware in the authenticator.
One key feature of FIDO's authentication protocol is its enforcement of message origin verification, making it highly resistant to phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks. This robust security model ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the authentication process.
The original FIDO specification, known as U2F (Universal 2nd Factor), was created to provide a widely accepted method of strong authentication beyond traditional username and password combinations. U2F utilizes standard interfaces such as USB, NFC, and Bluetooth, eliminating the need for additional reader hardware and enhancing user convenience.
The more recent standard, FIDO2, not only supports multi-factor authentication but also introduces secure passwordless multi-factor authentication. FIDO2 incorporates U2F specifications for backward compatibility, ensuring a seamless transition for users and systems.
Microsoft has embraced FIDO2 by supporting passwordless login, along with Windows Hello, for Windows 10 through Azure AD. FIDO2 enables roaming passwordless login without the necessity for users to set up Windows Hello on each Windows 10 machine, providing a convenient and secure authentication experience.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has adopted FIDO2 within the WebAuthn specification, showcasing its broad acceptance in web standards. Many leading cloud service providers have already implemented FIDO2, and the FIDO2 Client-to-Authenticator Protocol (CTAP2), in conjunction with WebAuthn, is supported by popular browsers, further solidifying its integration into the digital landscape.
In conclusion, FIDO standards, particularly FIDO2, represent a paradigm shift in authentication, offering a highly secure, scalable, and convenient approach to safeguarding access to digital services. The adoption by major industry players and standardization bodies underscores the effectiveness and importance of FIDO in the realm of online security.
