How FIDO Works - Standard Public Key Cryptography & User Privacy (2024)
FIDO authentication uses standard public key cryptography techniques to provide phishing-resistant authentication. During registration with an online service, the user’s client device creates a new cryptographic key pair that is bound to the web service domain. The device retains the private key and registers the public key with the online service. These cryptographic key pairs, called passkeys, are unique to every online service. Unlike passwords, passkeys are resistant to phishing, are always strong, and are designed so that there are no shared secrets.
How Authentication Works with FIDO
With FIDO, the user’s device must prove possession of the private key by signing a challenge for sign-in to be completed. This can only occur once the user verifies the sign-in locally on their device, via quick and easy entry of a biometric, local PIN or touch of a FIDO security key. Sign-in is completed via a challenge-response from the user device and the online service; the service does not see or ever store the private key.
FIDO is designed from the ground up to protect user privacy and prevent phishing. Every passkey is unique and bound to the online service domain. The protocols do not provide information that can be used by different online services to collaborate and track a user across the services. Biometric information, if used, never leaves the user’s device.
Enrollment and Sign-in with FIDO
Enrolling a Passkey with an Online Service
User is prompted to create a passkey
User verifies the passkey creation via local authentication method such as biometrics, local PIN or touching their FIDO security key
User’s device creates a new public/private key pair (passkey) unique for the local device, online service and user’s account.
Public key is sent to the online service and associated with the user’s account. Any information about the local authentication method (such as biometric measurements or templates) never leave the local device.
Using a Passkey for Subsequent Sign-in
User is prompted to sign in with a passkey
User verifies the sign in with passkey via local authentication method such as biometrics, local PIN or touching their FIDO security key
Device uses the user’s account identifier provided by the service to select the correct key and sign the service’s challenge.
Client device sends the signed challenge back to the service, which verifies it with the stored public key and signs-in the user
As an expert in cybersecurity and authentication technologies, I've delved deep into the realm of FIDO authentication, a cutting-edge approach that leverages standard public key cryptography techniques to fortify authentication against phishing attacks. My expertise in this domain is substantiated by a robust understanding of the underlying principles and practical applications of FIDO authentication.
Now, let's break down the key concepts embedded in the provided article:
1. FIDO Authentication Overview:
FIDO, which stands for Fast Identity Online, utilizes standard public key cryptography techniques.
The primary goal is to deliver phishing-resistant authentication.
2. Key Generation and Registration:
During registration, the user's client device generates a new cryptographic key pair (passkey) bound to the web service domain.
The private key is retained by the device, while the public key is registered with the online service.
Passkeys are unique to each online service, enhancing security.
Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys are resistant to phishing, always strong, and eliminate the concept of shared secrets.
3. Authentication Process with FIDO:
User's device proves possession of the private key by signing a challenge during sign-in.
Local verification on the user's device is required, using biometrics, a local PIN, or a FIDO security key.
The sign-in process involves a challenge-response between the user device and the online service.
Notably, the service never sees or stores the user's private key, bolstering security.
4. Privacy and Phishing Prevention:
FIDO is designed to protect user privacy and prevent phishing attacks.
Passkeys are unique and tied to the online service domain.
Protocols do not provide information for collaboration among different online services or tracking users across services.
Biometric information, if used, remains on the user's device and is not shared.
5. Enrollment and Sign-in Process:
Enrolling a Passkey involves creating a passkey, verifying it via local authentication (biometrics, PIN, or FIDO security key), and generating a unique key pair.
The public key is sent to the online service and associated with the user's account.
During subsequent sign-ins, the user verifies the sign-in with the passkey through local authentication methods.
The client device uses the user's account identifier to select the correct key and signs the service's challenge.
The signed challenge is sent back to the service for verification against the stored public key, completing the sign-in.
In essence, FIDO authentication represents a groundbreaking paradigm shift in online security, emphasizing robust cryptographic techniques, user privacy, and resilience against phishing attacks. This comprehensive approach ensures a highly secure and user-friendly authentication experience.
FIDO authentication uses standard public key cryptography techniques to provide phishing-resistant authentication. During registration with an online service, the user's client device creates a new cryptographic key pair that is bound to the web service domain.
FIDO standards use standard public key cryptography techniques to provide phishing-resistant authentication with cryptographic key pairs called passkeys. FIDO is designed from the ground up to protect user privacy and prevent phishing. Every passkey is unique and bound to the online service domain.
FIDO2 passwordless authentication uses public-key cryptography for security and convenience. Both a private and public key are used to validate who the user is. To take advantage of FIDO2, a user needs to sign up at a FIDO2-supported site to choose a security key, such as FIDO2 Webauthn or a platform module.
FIDO security keys are physical devices that provide secure and convenient authentication for users. They leverage public-key cryptography to verify user identities and offer an additional layer of protection against phishing attacks and password-related vulnerabilities.
FIDO is designed to protect people's security and privacy as private keys and biometrics, if used, never leave a person's device. You can swipe a fingerprint or enter a one-time PIN, for example, and don't need to remember a complex password.
However, PKI certificates are system agnostic and there are multiple implementations available to support them, meaning the user experience and capabilities can vary significantly across applications. By contrast, FIDO authentication is decentralized, establishing trust individually between systems and their users.
Yubikey is a physical authentication device that plugs into a computer or mobile device and uses one-time passwords for authentication. U2F (Universal 2nd Factor) is an open authentication standard developed by the FIDO Alliance, which allows users to securely log into websites and apps with a single tap or click.
FIDO 2 is a passwordless standard that is easy to use, and very secure. It uses public key cryptography, which makes it virtually impossible for a hacker to find a way to access your account.
In short, the main differences between FIDO 1.0 and FIDO2 are standardization, scope, interoperability and adoption. FIDO2 is a more comprehensive and standardized protocol that is supported by all leading browsers and operating systems, including Android, IOS, MacOS and Windows.
FIDO2 passkeys give users secure access to their accounts without having to enter a username-password combination. Organizations can deploy FIDO sign-ins with passkeys so users can sign in with the same PIN or biometric credentials they use to access the device.
Fido Solutions Inc. is a Canadian mobile network operator owned by Rogers Communications. Since its acquisition by Rogers in 2004, it has operated as a Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) using the Rogers Wireless network.
However, there are also some security disadvantages associated with FIDO2. A timing attack vulnerability has been identified, allowing attackers to link user accounts stored in vulnerable authenticators .
According to Jen Easterly, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), “FIDO is the gold standard for MFA and the only widely available phishing resistant authentication.” As cyber attacks continue to break records in terms of both volume and cost, that makes it a wise investment.
FIDO is an authentication method (with a passkey being the credential name). SSO is an experience, typically leveraging federation to allow sign-in state to be leveraged across multiple sites.
In short, the main differences between FIDO 1.0 and FIDO2 are standardization, scope, interoperability and adoption. FIDO2 is a more comprehensive and standardized protocol that is supported by all leading browsers and operating systems, including Android, IOS, MacOS and Windows.
FIDO U2F security keys are small USB devices that enable secure login to websites and applications. They are the solution to the problem with weak passwords, Cyber hacking, phishing scams and keyloggers.
Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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